Condolence: Words fail me to express my sadness at learning of John's death.We are first cousins, born 3 days apart. As youngsters, we spent summers on adjoining farms belonging to uncles. We both entered United Methodist ministry at approximately the same time and were roommates in seminary. We played chess and shared many a dinner with our families, and John and his wife and me and my wife gathered around a piano and sang the four parts of gospel songs. Over the years, as our paths diverged, we kept in contact. Let me just say that John David Baker-Batsel was among the finest human beings I have been privileged to know. Our lives will be missing something now; John would be the first to call our attention of the love and grace of God. Rest in peace, Dad!

Condolence: On behalf of the Graduate Theological Union, please accept our sincere condolences. John was the second library director and the first in our new library facility. He did a remarkable job laying the foundation and then growing a modern academic library serving our complex, inter-religious community. An acknowledgement of his service to GTU is on our website: https://www.gtu.edu/news/remembering-john-david-baker-batsel. The first image is from his retirement party—that is a plaque from the board of trustees in his hand. The second shows his cutting the ribbon to open library in 1981. Behind him are some of the library staff witnessing the informal ceremony. In addition, there is a video of The Naming of the Library in 1987 where he invites the attendees to tour the Flora Lamson Hewlett Library: https://vimeo.com/139014707. John’s part starts at 26:44. Curiously, the library director and myself have recently been reviewing some of his writings on the nature of our library. John’s work and spirit lives on.
David Stiver, Special Collections Librarian, Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California

Condolence: Dear family:
Carroll and I send prayers for your comfort as you reaffirm you faith In Jesus Christ, the Resurrection and the Life. John, Lyda and I were students at Lambuth College back in the early to mid-1950s. John and I were clergy colleagues, as well. Peace be yours in the name of Jesus.
Rev. Russell N. Gallimore, Memphis Conference clergy colleague, Jackson, TN

Condolence: We are so sorry for you loss.

Joshua Murphy & James Kingery

Condolence: So sorry to hear of your loss. As the days go pass may you experience the love of our heavenly Creator Jehovah God as he strengthen you and your family to get through this trying time. (Psalms 83:18) Remember he loves your loved one also and has promised to get rid of sickness and death forever and by means of his son Jesus Christ, bring back to life our loved ones. (Revelation 21:4; John 5:28,29)
Please accept my deepest condolence
jw.org Website for more encouragement.