William R. Batdorf, Jr.

William R. Batdorf, Jr., 70, passed away on December 18, 2018 at The Williamsport Home in Williamsport. He was born on May 11, 1948 at Evangelical Hospital in Lewisburg, PA to William R. and Ruth L. (Cromley) Batdorf, Sr.

William grew up in Watsontown, PA and graduated from Warrior Run High School in 1966. After high school, he joined the United States Army in 1968 in the Engineer Corp and served for 4 years. He was stationed in Germany, Ft Hood, Texas and Pleiku, Vietnam. He was released from active duty in 1971, achieving the rank of Specialist 5.  He was on inactive reserve status from 1971-1975.

William married Cindy (Treibley) in 1973 in Lewisburg, PA.  They were happily married for 45 years.

William was preceded in death by his son, William R. Batdorf, III; his father, William R. Batdorf, Sr.; his mother, Ruth L. (Cromley) Batdorf; brothers: Dennis and Jeffery Batdorf; and a sister, Cleta (Batdorf) Waltman.

William is survived by his spouse Cindy L. (Treibley) Batdorf; two daughters: Kristie (Kenneth) Healy and Ellen Batdorf; nieces Natasha and Tara Batdorf; great niece Kyrie Persun; and great nephew Oliver Persun.

During his lifetime, William worked for numerous companies including Jasper Wood Products, Watsontown Brick Company, Montgomery Mills, Ceco Corp, Preston Trucking, ACF, Watsontown Borough and Warrior Run School District.  He retired from Bucknell University in May of 2010.  He liked to say it only took him 23 years to graduate.

William was a member of the American Legion Post 323 for 50 years, White Deer Central Railroad Club and National Railroad Historical Society.  He was also a lifetime member of the Warrior Run Area Fire Department (Watsontown Fire Department). During his 47 years with the fire department, he served as Firefighter, Captain, Lieutenant, EMT and Fire Police Captain.  His later years were enjoyed spending time with his furry granddaughter Izzy and railroading with trains big and small as well as hunting, fishing and camping in his younger days. 

The family will be greeting friends and relatives from 6 to 8:00 PM Thursday at Brooks Funeral Home and Cremation Svcs, PC, 124 Main Street, Watsontown. His funeral service will be held Friday at 12:00 Noon at Watsontown United Methodist Church, 1319 Eighth Street Drive, Watsontown with the Rev. Ryan T. Krauss officiating. Burial with military and fire company honors will follow at Watsontown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Warrior Run Area Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 8, Watsontown, PA 17777; the Watsontown American Legion Post 323, 1016 Main Street, Watsontown, PA 17777; or the White Deer Train Club.  www.wfbrooksfuneralhome.com

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