Donald M Batty

Donald M. Batty passed on to his next life on 11 February 2022, at home and surrounded by family at the age of 88. Don and his identical twin brother, Ronald, were born 14 March 1933 in Riverton, Utah to Marquis Ivan Batty and Ella Leone McKee. Don and Ron spent their childhood years in Vernal and Wallsburg, Utah with siblings Miles, Betty Jo, and Joseph Clair, before graduating from Uintah High School in 1951. After high school Don and Ron attended Utah State University in Logan for two years, then in 1953 they were both called to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico, an experience they cherished for the rest of their lives. They loved Mexico, making many friends, and returning there for vacations for many years. Immediately after completing his mission, Don was drafted into the U.S. Army, and after basic training was stationed in Munich, Germany. He took full advantage of this by using his leave time to tour much of western Europe. After his military service, Don returned to Utah where he worked a number of different jobs, then went back to USU, earning two Bachelor's degrees, one in Plant and Soil Science, and one in History; as well as a Masters degree in History. In 1968 he was accepted into a Ph.d program in History at the University of Texas-Austin, and completed most of the requirements for a doctoral degree before family matters compelled him to return to Utah in 1972. After returning to Vernal, Don went to work for the United States Geological Survey, and farmed and ranched with his family, before retiring from the USGS in 2000. He spent his retirement in Orem, Utah where he enjoyed gardening, reading, writing family history and telling stories, of which he had a great number to share. He also loved hunting, fishing, traveling and spending time outdoors, especially at the family homestead on Diamond Mountain. But above all, he loved spending time with family, making new friends, and reaching out to help others. He had a great positive influence on all who knew him with enough love to go around, and his presence will be greatly missed. Don was a beloved son, brother, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his siblings: Betty Jo Hall of Vernal, Utah; and J. Clair Batty (Karen) of Logan, Utah; Sisters-in-Law: Nila Batty and Nera Batty, of Vernal, Utah; his two children: Russell Batty (Trice) of West Jordan, Utah; and Colleen Schaelling (Philip) of Springfield, Virginia; and his two granddaughters: Deborah Johnson (Jackie) of Mililani, Hawaii; and Elisabeth Himelberger (Alex) of Logan, Utah. Funeral services for Donald will be held Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 11:00am at the Ashley 1st Ward LDS Chapel (3040 North Vernal Avenue). A viewing for family and friends will be held Friday evening from 6-8pm at the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home and Saturday 9:45-10:45am at the church. Interment will be in the Vernal Memorial Park with military honors provided by the American Legion Post 11. If desired, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Utah Mission Tijuana, a 501(c)(3) that fosters independence through education. Don was a generous contributor to this worthy cause to assist families in need. Donations can be sent to Ana Batty at 2740 Sandstone, Kingman, AZ 86401.