Richard Batterson

Richard Earl Batterson November 2, 1924 - March 7, 2022 Richard Earl Batterson, 97, of Orlando, FL, passed away on March 7, 2022 in Orlando, FL. Richard, "Dick," was born in Ottumwa, lowa, to Rex and Bertha Batterson. He attended Ottumwa High School, where he participated in football, track, and other sports for the Bulldogs. Called to service in the United States Navy at age 19 in 1942 for World War II, he was commissioned an Ensign in 1944 while attending Columbia University in New York. He became an officer in charge of an LCT with 15 crew members. He traveled through the Panama Canal to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where he learned he was to assemble his own LCT—with no training, no manual, and no commanding officer. He and his crew eventually found their way to Okinawa, where he received several citations for his wartime duty. After his duty ended, Dick went to College on the G.I. Bill then obtained a law degree from Iowa's Drake University. He married Margo Batterson in 1945 in Ottumwa, Iowa. In 1959, he moved the family to Orlando, where he was the regional attorney for a large national insurance company. He became a federal court arbitrator, and an expert witness as well as a mediator for complex insurance issues. Dick was an avid University of Florida sports fan, and played golf for the "love of the game" (enjoying a proper refreshment after a round in the 19th hole). He was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Orlando. He loved to travel, read books, have meaningful conversations and be with his family. He was an avid supporter of his children - always cheering them on at their various sports events and activities. He also loved his great-grandkids, reminding them that the safest place to keep their birthday money is "in grandpa's pocket." Known for his coined phrases, "I’ll be darned," and "Holy mackerel", he had a laugh and wit that could light up a room. Dick is preceded in death by his wife Margo Batterson. Dick is survived by his children, Craig Batterson (Judy deceased) and Debra Love (Richard); Grandchildren: Scott Batterson(Cara) and Sara Anastasia (Shawn); Great-Grandchildren: Kate Batterson, Mac Batterson and Asher Anastasia. A Memorial service will be held in the next several weeks at St. John's Lutheran Church in Winter Park. The family will notify all those wishing to pay respects once the final arrangements have been made. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John's Lutheran Church.

Arrangements entrusted to CAREY HAND COLONIAL FUNERAL HOME, 2811 Curry Ford Road, Orlando, FL 32806 407-898-2561 www.careyhandcolonialfh.com