John Richard Batchelder

He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1964 and was drafted in September 1965 into the United States Army, serving as a medic in Okinawa, Japan. John was a Journeyman Electrician for IBEW Local 305 for 20 years. Then he worked at General Motors for 20 years, retiring in January 2007.

He was a member of the American Legion Post 47 where he was a past commander. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 3512. John loved to travel, taking the educational/scenic route as often as possible. He was a certified scuba diver. He was a member of Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years (married, September 4, 1965), Carolyn (Fleck) Batchelder, who was his high school sweetheart; daughter, Karen (Paul) Batchelder of New Mexico; brother, Larry Batchelder, Fort Wayne; sisters, Marclyn Filler of Fort Wayne and Patricia (Robert) Foote of Bradford, PA; 11 nephews; 7 nieces; numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Patricia (Ronald) Booher of Fort Wayne, and her family, 2 nieces; 4 great nephews; and 6 great nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Lucile Batchelder; brothers, Jerry, Steve, and James; 5 nephews; and 1 niece.

Preferred memorials may be directed to Humane Fort Wayne or your charity of choice.

A funeral service will be at 4:30 PM on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at D.O. McComb and Sons - Maplewood Park, 4017 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana with calling beginning at 3:30 PM.