Bernard "Bernie" Batson

Bernard A. Batson, 98

“Blessed is he who trusts in the LORD” Proverbs 16:20

WOLFEBORO – Bernard (Bernie) Batson passed from this life into the next on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at Mountain View Community in Ossipee, NH during the early morning hours.

Bernie was born in Massac County, Illinois to Robert and Alta (Cagle) Batson on January 26, 1920.  He was the eldest of their children.  He grew up in southern Illinois and graduated from DuQuoin Township High School in 1938 and later Vincennes University in Indiana in 1947.

Bernie married the love of his life, Anthee (Toni) Felos on November 11, 1941 and entered the first group of U.S. Navy Seabees after December 7, 1941.  He served as a Chief Petty Officer in the Pacific Theatre building airstrips.  His love of construction and management took Bernie, Toni, and their two sons to many states across the U.S. working for M. W. Kellogg and the Badger Company.  Then Bernie and Toni spent 7 years managing the construction of refineries in Belgium, Turkey, South Africa, and Trinidad before settling down in 1971 on an apple and peach farm in Cedaredge, CO where Bernie enjoyed farming with a number of different animals.  This was a life style change in retirement that they both enjoyed.  In 1999, Bernie and Toni moved to Birch Hill Estates in Wolfeboro, NH to be near their son, Bob, and his family.  Four generations of Batsons moved to Wolfeboro, home of Batson Mountain, Batson Pond, and Batson Brook named after Stephen Batson.  While in Wolfeboro, Bernie and Toni were active in the Tuftonboro United Methodist Church, with Bible studies in their home, helping with church suppers, and more.  He loved their years in New Hampshire.

Bernie loved the LORD, his wife Toni and family, travel and meeting people.  Last November, Bernie and Toni celebrated 76 years of marriage with friends and family at Mountain View Community.  This January, Bernie, family, and friends celebrated Toni’s 100th Birthday and his 98th birthday at Mountain View.  Whether in South Africa or at Mountain View, Bernie loved people and people returned that love.  He lived a blessed life with family and friends all over the world.

During their years in Cedaredge, Bernie was active in Cedaredge Methodist Church, the Lions Club, and the Delta Montrose Electric Association.  Bernie served on this Rural Electric Cooperative Board many years and achieved his certification as “Director” in less than 2 years.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Toni, two sons, James Batson of West Columbia SC and Bob Batson and his wife Donna of Wolfeboro, NH; three grandchildren, Sgt. Scott Batson of AZ, Craig Batson and Carrie (Batson) Fogg and husband Bryan of Wolfeboro, NH; three great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.  His nieces, Roberta, Kathryn, and Carolyn and nephew Bill were a special part of Bernie’s and Toni’s family.  His smile and stories will be greatly missed.  

Bernie was pre-deceased by his parents Robert (Arlie) and Alta Batson, his sister Orbra Greenlee, and brother David Batson.

A special thanks to Mountain View Community for the love and care they extended to Bernie during his residence of three years there with his wife, Toni.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bernie’s name to Mountain View Community, 93 Water Village Road. Ossipee, NH  03894. 

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 26 at 11 AM at the Tuftonboro United Methodist Church. Tuftonboro, NH

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