NORWAY – Earl L. Batchelder, 62, beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, Aug. 31.

He was born in Howland on July 13, 1943, to John and Ruby (Parker) Batchelder. He graduated as valedictorian from Howland High School and went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from Aroostook State Teachers College in 1967, and later his master’s degree from the University of Southern Maine.

He went straight from school to teaching at what is now Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School, where he remained a favorite math teacher to many for 37 years, until retirement in 2004.

He married Susan Irons in June 1970, and was a loving husband and father to four children.

He is survived by his wife, Susan, and their children, Jon Batchelder, Daelynn Morton and son-in-law, David Morton, James Batchelder, and Dawnelle Sullivan and son-in-law, Michael Sullivan. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Joshua Richards, Tayla Batchelder, Kyler and Kaeleigh Morton, and Declan Sullivan. His surviving siblings are Irene Chamberlain, brother-in-law, Bob Chamberlain, Jean York, Paul Batchelder, sister-in-law, Reta Batchelder, David Batchelder and sister-in-law, Debbie Batchelder. He has several nieces and nephews that survive him as well.

His parents and his sister, Alice Wickett, predeceased him.

He very much enjoyed being outdoors camping and kayaking, and was known for taking long walks. He will be sadly missed by his family and all those students, friends and neighbors whose lives he touched with that quick Yankee wit and dry sense of humor.