Charles Robert ""Chuck"" Batway

Charles R. (Chuck) Batway lost a hard fought battle to Leukemia and passed away quietly Oct 13th. A Michigan native, Chuck lived the last 23 years in Waters MI, (located between Grayling and Gaylord); he was 77 at the time of his death. Born in Waltz MI he graduated from Flat Rock High School in 1950. After four years in the Coast Guard he earned a Bachelor's Degree from The University of Toledo where he was a scholarship catcher on the Rockets Baseball team. In addition to a BA he also earned a Master of Arts Degree from the University of Michigan. A lifelong educator, Chuck held high school teaching positions in Ida, Whiteford, Ottawa Lake, and East Grand Rapids Schools in the late 50's and early 60's. He was High School Principal in the Mio-AuSable and Grayling School Districts in the late 60's and early 70's. Thirty two years in all, he finished his career as Superintendant of Schools at Atlanta Area, Fulton-Middleton, Newberry, and for the last six years at Grant Public Schools, retiring in 1987. Chuck also coached High School Basketball and Football in the early years of his career. In his retirement, Chuck found his stride as a semi-pro softball player during the winter months in the Citrus Park 50+ leagues in Bonita Springs FL and as a self described Cribbage Grand Master, often giving unsolicited lessons to friends and family. He also excelled at embellishing his hunting and fishing experiences as these activities, along with Golf, were his passion as well. Chuck is survived by his wife of 55 years Carole and his three children Marc Batway, (spouse Jenni), Beth VanZytveld, and Eric Batway, (spouse Sheri - formerly Sheri Wieland of Grayling). He also leaves four grandchildren Travis Batway, an Army Specialist and Combat Medic at Ft Leonard Wood MO, Megen Batway, a senior at MSU, Nicole Batway, a Sophmore at CMU, Connor Batway, and one great grandchild, Travis' daughter Dakota Mae. Services will be held at Michelson Memorial United Methodist Church in Graying MI on Saturday, Oct 30th at 11am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the United Services Organization, (USO), or Hospice of Northern Michigan, or Michelson Memorial United Methodist Church. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles Robert ""Chuck"" Batway, please visit our flower store.