Lester F. Batchelder, age 82 of Reed City, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, June 14, 2006. He was born February 2, 1924 in Muskegon to John and Edith (Sapp) Batchelder. He was honorably discharged from the United States Army serving during World War II in the Pacific Theater. Lester married Beatrice R. Cady August 18, 1973 in Big Rapids. He was employed by the City of Reed City, retiring in 1989. Lester was a member of the Liberty Baptist Church of Reed City. He is survived by his loving wife, Beatrice Daughter; Carol Batchelder of Rodney Son; John (Brenda) Batchelder of Litchfield, KY Step-children; Darlene (Ken) Hahn of Big Rapids Cheri (Gary) Cook of Paris Kerry (Rich) Seymour of Grand Rapids Pastor Darryl (Kathy) Johnson of Ashton Karl "Scott" (Nikki) Johnson of Germany Step-son-in-law; Kevin Cole of Stanwood Brother; James Batchelder of Colorado and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Lester was preceded in death by a step-daughter; Connie Sue Cole, a sister; Etta Grover and 2 brothers; Herbert and John Batchelder. Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 20th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Reverend David Stanski officiating. The family will greet friends on Monday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in Lester's name be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.