Jay Batten, 60

Richard Jay Batten, age 60, of Three Rivers, died Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at Fairview Nursing and Rehabilitation in Centreville. He was born in Three Rivers on April 18. 1957 the son of Richard A. and Betty (Kelly) Batten and has been a lifetime resident of the area. He graduated from Mendon High School in 1975 and worked at Ronningen Research & Development for 10 years. Jay, or Birdman, as he was sometimes called, enjoyed family events, neighborhood Wiffle-ball games, playing golf, and watching all sports.

Jay is survived by two brothers, Tom Batten of Ft. Myers, FL and Jerry (Tina) Batten of Mendon; two sisters, Patty (Jim) Parker of Kalamazoo and Amy (David) Peterson of Schoolcraft; eight nieces and nephews, Lindsey, Jenny, Mia, Emma, Dorie, Bailey, Jerry, and Jack; aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Dick Batten; his mother, Betty Wells; and a brother, Scott Batten.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to 12 noon on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon, and where services will begin at 12 noon on Thursday with Rev. Clint Zehr officiating. Burial will follow in Mendon Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to either Wheat’s Field, or to St. Edward Catholic Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com