John David Baker-Batsel died in Longmont, Colorado on Wednesday, November 28, 2018, the day before his 85th birthday. Born in Greenville, Kentucky in 1933, he was the son of Rufus William and Eunice (Henson) Batsel.

Educated at Lambuth College (1955), he earned M.Div. (1959) and M.A (1962), degrees at Vanderbilt, and a Master of Library Science degree (1963) at George Peabody College.

John was a member of the American Theological Library Association (president 1973-1974), American Library Association, American Academy of Religion, Beta Phi Museum and on the Board of Directors of the California Library Authority for Systems and Services (1981-1982). He also served on the General Board of the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History (1997-2001).

Ordained to Methodist ministry in 1959, he served as Pastor in the Memphis Annual Conference and Librarian at Lambuth (1963-1964). Moving to Evanston, IL, he worked as Librarian and professor at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary (1964-1977). Relocating to Berkeley, CA, he served as Director of the Flora Lamson Hewlett Library of the Graduate Theological Union (1977-1990).

John returned to the Memphis Conference, to serve the local church at the Mason-Braden Charge (1990-1993) where he “just wanted to love the people,” which he did. Retiring, John and Pat relocated to the Boulder, CO area and became active in the Bethel UM congregation where he served in various leadership roles, including directing the choir.

Two things he really enjoyed in retirement were capturing beautiful nature scenes in his photography and spending time in the mountains on his little private retreat. A loving father and husband, John served as spiritual mentor to many who sought his counsel and volunteered as a hospice chaplain while in Boulder.

John is survived by his wife of thirty-eight years Patricia Ann Baker-Batsel; his four children: Lee Ann Batsel Steinmetz, Laura Grace (Batsel) Dicus, Julia Beth Batsel and John David “Jack” Batsel; their mother Lyda Katherine Dickerson and Pat’s son Michael Pressey. He also leaves extended family: Lee Ann’s son Alex Steinmetz; Laura’s husband Shannon Fears; Laura’s children: Michael Dicus and Naomi Dicus and John’s great-daughter Ariella Dicus; Julia’s daughter Kaiya Hatcher and her husband Dan Hatcher; Jack’s wife Lucy Ednie, her son Pace Ednie-Gloege, with his son Kenan; Michael Pressey and his wife Anna MacBriar and their daughter Clara Jane Pressey.

A memorial service is planned for Thursday, December 6, 2018 at 2:00 p.m., at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Longmont, Colorado, with John’s final resting place being a columbarium at the foot of the mountain he so loved. Memorial contributions may be made to the Charity of Donor’s Choice. Cremation entrusted to Ahlberg Funeral Chapel and Crematory. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.

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