Richard was born on September 27th, 1941 in Centralia, WA. He attended Centralia High school and graduated in 1959. He attended Centralia Junior College for two years, then finished his bachelor's degree at the University of Washington in Seattle.
In the spring of 1962, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves. He spent 8 weeks in Fort Ord, CA for basic training.
He married Janice Lee Scheffler on July 27th, 1967. They had two children, son Dean and daughter Cara.
Richard began working for Northern Pacific Railway in Seattle, WA in September, 1968. He worked in the traffic department. He was transferred to West St. Paul, MN in May, 1969. In July, 1984 he moved to North Richland Hills, TX where he finished out his 38 year career in the railroad industry in the short lines sales and abandonment department. Richard retired from BNSF Railroad in the fall of 2006.
Richard had a huge interest in U.S. railroad history. It was his passion. He also enjoyed his yearly trip to the lake to water ski with son Dean driving the boat. Richard once water skied 75 minutes nonstop at age 75. He also enjoyed hopping in his Buick LeSabre to go on road trips, especially to see his daughter Cara and her family.
Richard is survived by his son Dean and wife Lena of Blue Mound, TX, daughter Cara of Hobbs, NM, grandchildren Jay, Michael, Daniel and David. Also brothers Howard Batie of Winlock, WA and Robert Batie of Mason, MI.
Services will be held on Wednesday, May 22 at 10am at Peace Lutheran Church, 941 West Bedford Euless Road, Hurst, TX 76053.
Visitation will be Tuesday, May 21 5-7pm at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 5725 Colleyville Blvd, Colleyville, TX 76034
Richard will be truly missed.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.0