Robert G Batman

In Memory of a Most Loving Father

Robert was born on April 28, 1944 in Greenville, Tennessee, the son of the late Gilbert and Johnnie (Justice) Batman. Robert was the beloved husband of Charlotte (nee Cahlik) for 58 years; loving father of Laura Hysen (Robert), Jennifer Batman, and Michael Batman (Christine); cherished grandfather of Kurt and Karl Batman; dear brother of Judy Coleman, Camille Holstein (deceased), Mary Mann (David), Nancy Karn (Rich), John Batman, and the late Karl Batman; a dear uncle and friend of many. He proudly served in the U.S. Army in Korea.

Robert lived an honest life and was good to all those that he encountered. He enjoyed fishing, reading, painting, and spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and his beloved dog, Rocky. He was a humble man that brought joy to many.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the D.A.V. (Disabled American Veterans) at dav.org

Remembering Robert Batman:

Over a decade ago, I went to a patriotic themed rally that had a bunch of local politicians scheduled to speak. There was an individual in the crowd who showed up to clearly be an agitator. This individual got louder and louder, testing to see if anyone would intervene. Eventually he became emboldened enough to charge the speaker. I immediately moved in to get between the agitator and the speaker. A guy who was closer beat me there and shut down the bad guy without getting loud or violent. As soon as the agitator backed away and turned to leave, I looked over and realized it was my Dad! He jumped in when there were lots of other younger guys just sitting around.

My Dad and I have gone to the same barbershop for a long time. Joe would ask how my Dad was doing, and I would tell him that my Dad was rough and at the VA again. Joe would express condolences, and say, “You know when I see your Dad and ask him how he is doing, he will just say, ‘Oh not too bad, how are you doing?’” My Dad was not a complainer.

Thanks,

Mike Batman

Dad has always been the anchor of our family. His kindness, patience and calm demeanor helped each of us feel supported and loved. He taught us many values, the most impactful to me was to work hard and to treat people as they wanted to be treated. He was always so supportive of who each of us was as an individual, allowing us space to pursue our dreams. His insights helped us forge a deeper understanding of ourselves and the family. I loved talking with dad about a wide range of topics. We loved talking about science, especially astronomy. I was thrilled the day he told me he was reading an astrophysics magazine for 'light reading'. I was so impressed and I was so happy to see him enjoying himself and exploring his interests. He was so knowledgeable about many, many subjects, yet he utilized that knowledge to help others and never to boast or sound like he was a 'big deal'. He is a very wise soul and he knew the value of turning that knowledge into wisdom. Dad knew how to raise our spirits and make us laugh, and also to honor our feelings with deep respect. Some of my favorite memories are the times we went fishing, taking KFC to the lake to watch the sunset, visits out to Oregon to go salmon fishing and camping, and watching our favorite movies together. I will miss him so much. He is such a peaceful soul. I feel comforted that he now watches over us all in Heaven.

Laura Batman Hysen

Dad overcame challenges in life that held the potential to hinder, he did not allow them to limit and was an outstanding husband, father, and grandfather. He did not let life's obstacles stop him. He had an amazing work ethic. He had integrity when no one was looking.

Dad treasured his role as a father. He was always engaged with his family. He was a true family man; he taught me to fish (some of my favorite memories). A few years ago we went fishing for Father's Day, it was a great day. Afterwards we all went for lunch, accompanied by the latest canine love of our lives - Rocky.

April 8th, 2024 was an excursion that will be treasured forever, the day of the solar eclipse. I invited my parents over to view it from the roof deck where I lived, and Dad wasn't feeling the greatest. But he pushed through and was there with a smile. The wonder that I saw on his face during the eclipse was a true gift. We went to lunch afterwards and I remember the joy of listening to him speak about the event. He had a lifelong intrinsic sense of curiosity about the world and how it worked. Despite his health challenges, he studied and obtained his HAM radio license at 81 years old and was learning morse code shortly before his passing.

He is the one that I would call when I couldn't figure something out or how something worked. He would take the time to explain things and make sure that I understood, I will miss that so much. He was always prepared, his collection of flashlights is impressive. A true boy scout and always ready to protect.

I always felt accepted as an individual by my Dad. He could be honest and say what needed to be said, and he would do it in the most compassionate and effective way. He wanted to know his children for who they were. I went on a retreat in the 8th grade and parents were asked to write letters. His letter focused on the fact that he had three children. In this letter he described each of his children as completely unique, yet equally loved, and the writing was clear that it came from his heart. It is a letter that I will cherish until it is my turn to leave.

Dad has always had quiet words of wisdom in situations when I asked him for help or advice. He was not flashy, loud, or proud. The still waters of his heart ran deep. He encouraged me to believe in myself and to chase my dreams. The poem Success by Ralph Waldo Emerson reflects Dad's life well.

He told me a story about an experience in Korea that sums up his character well. Dad was sitting near a rice paddy with his meal for that day. An elderly Korean man came to sit next to him with a rusted tin cup asking for spare change. Dad described how he had been sitting there in a strange land, missing home. He told me that he took one look at the man and gave him his dinner. He said that the man looked like he needed the food more than he did. He described the smile on the man's face. He had true empathy for others.

As a little girl, we went to meet him on his lunch break from work, I remember jumping up on his lap and being filled with joy that I got to see him. I will miss our trips to Edgewater to see the lake. I will miss the bright smile he greeted all of us with, his laugh, and just spending time with him.

As a young girl, I didn't understand why my Dad had so many names. His work shirts said "Bob". On paper or phone calls he was Robert. Family called him Gene. One thing that I know for sure, whatever you knew him as, you had a friend. I was lucky enough to get to call him Dad.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Batman

A Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate his life will be held at Mary Queen of the Apostles Parish, 6455 Engle Road, Brook Park, Ohio on Friday August 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM (EVERYONE PLEASE MEET AT THE CHURCH)

The family will receive friends Thursday August 20, 2026 from 5 - 8 PM at THE A. RIPEPI AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBGURG HEIGHTS, OHIO 44130 (WEST of I-71)