Eugene J. Batt

Eugene J. Batt, age 84 of Defiance, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, April 9, 2023 at his residence.  
  
He was born on February 25, 1939 to the late Alphonse and Helen (Justinger) Batt in Hicksville, Ohio. On February 11, 1961 he married Margaret Burkhart, who survives. 
  
Gene was a faithful member of St. John's Catholic Church. He worked for several years at General Motors in Defiance until his retirement in 1989. He was a member of Moose Lodge #2094, and a life member of AmVets #1991, Eagles #372 and VFW #3360. He was a very active member of AmVets, holding several offices up to the National level. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the AmVets Commander Dale Byrd. Gene was an advocate for AmVets and traveled to Washington to fight for the rights of others. In his leisure time he enjoyed cards, fishing, and golf, and took First Place Champion Flight at the 1974 Championship at Auglaize Country Club. Gene will be greatly missed by his family and many good friends and colleagues.
  
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Margaret Batt of Defiance, five daughters; Lori (Fred) Shaw, Sheri (Rob) Cereghin, Terri (Ty) Vogel, Wendi (Doug) Clark, and Vicki (Randy) Wilhelm. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and three sisters; Patricia Walters, Kathy Boyd and Mary (Stan) Cox.   
  
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Carolyn Leonard, and nine brothers; Paul, Victor, Jerome, James, Ronnie, Dennis, Fred, Thomas and Harold Batt.
  
Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 9:00 to 11:00 am at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 am at the funeral home, with Fr. David Cirata officiating. A Private Interment will take place at Riverview Memory Gardens at a later date.
  
Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children's Hospital.