Obituary of Keith Philip Batchelder

Keith "Philip" Batchelder, was born on December 17th, 1955 in Bridgeport, Connecticut.  At age four, he was adopted by Keith & Arlene Batchelder of Hartland, Maine.

Keith was a graduate of Nokomis Regional High School, class of 1975, and went on to KVCC, where he studied diesel mechanics.  He soon found a career in long haul trucking, in which he made a living for over 30 years.

Keith was a gifted singer and formed a band, along with his brother Jim Stevens and friends, Bob Partridge, Stew Kenny, and Ray Manson.  They were known as JAKARAS and played many venues throughout the state of Maine.

In January of 1986, he met Debi, the love of his life, through their shared passion of music.  They were married in 1989 and became a blended family with six children - Keith Irving, Ronald Lee, Carl Brian, Monica Lynn, Justin Gary, and Nathaniel Joel ("Buddy").

Keith and Debi received Christ in 1995 and later on became praise and worship leaders for New Life Church, in Greenville.

Keith enjoyed listening to and playing country music, fishing, camping and all things outdoors.  He was a hard worker and a passionate grandfather to his grandchildren, Katelyn Grace, Breckon Gilbert, Cali Lynn and Addyson Audrey.

He cherished his time with his children, his grandchildren, his friends, and his siblings - James Stevens of Stetson,  Connie Hall of Dexter,  Brenda Hall of St Albans,  Mary Collar of Waterville , and Richard Russell of Worcester, Ma.

At 9:13 am on August 1st, 2024 our beloved Keith Philip - much loved husband, father, brother, and friend - went to be with his Lord and Savior - Jesus Christ, after a hard fought battle with lung cancer,  leaving his family and friends to carry on his memory, forever.  He remained selfless, generous, kind, and kept his vibrant sense of humor until the very end, when he passed peacefully at home, with family at his side.

Along with his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and his siblings, Keith also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his mother and father, Keith & Arlene Batchelder, his birth father - Irving "Fishbones" Stevens, and his stepson, Nathaniel Joel Bates.

He will forever and always be in our hearts until we meet again. <3

Graveside Memorial Service will be held Saturday August 24th, 2pm at Blanchard Cemetery - Abbot.

There will be a "Celebration of Life" to follow.