Donald Richard Batze

Donald Richard Batze Donald R. Batze passed away on 20 August 2024 in Orlando, FL, after a long and heroic fight against cancer. He was 75 years of age. Born and raised in Friant, CA, he was the son of Richard and Priscilla Batze. Following graduation from Sierra High School, Donald studied for four years at Fresno State and the University of Missouri. Donald reported to the Naval Academy in 1971, where his classmates quickly knew him as “Doc.” Due to his prior college career, he held the distinction of being the oldest member of the graduating class, referring to himself as “WOM” (World’s Oldest Man). At Annapolis, Donald majored in English and served as a “three striper” on the regimental staff. He was considered the most literary scholar of the Company, known for toting around historical and philosophical novels that were not associated with the curriculum. He proudly boasted that he would not let the Academy get in the way of his education! His classmates elected him as their honor representative all four years at the Academy; a testament to their respect for his integrity and good judgment. Upon graduation with the Class of 1975, Donald served in the Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer with shipboard duty as legal officer on OKLAHOMA CITY and engineer on JOHN A. MOORE. He also served at Long Beach Naval Shipyard, where he was the Pacific Command’s maintenance representative. Donald’s civilian career continued to serve the U.S. Navy in sales and management with Dresser Rand, managing compressor and steam turbine assets for the Pacific Fleet; and, with General Electric, managing power plant control systems. He finished his career as a sales manager for General Electric. In retirement, Donald lived in Nampa, ID, and resumed his lifelong hobbies of fishing and birding. He relocated to Orlando, FL, in 2021. Predeceased by his parents and brother, William, Donald is survived by his wife, Candice; their daughters, Kimberly (Thomas) and Tiffany (Thibauld); grandchildren, Molly, Dylan and Bentley; sister, Elinor; and brother, Warren. Donald was a devoted husband to Candice for 42 years, a proud father and grandfather. He was a cherished friend to his Classmates, always available for spirited conversation and good advice. Even during his long sickness and up to the last few days of his passing, he ensured you left all conversations and visits uplifted. Services will be held at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, CA, on 26 September 2024.

Donald Richard Batze

August 20, 2024