Obituary of Gerald "Jerry" Batsford

Gerald “Jerry” Batsford, 64, of Virgil passed away unexpectedly January 31, 2017 surrounded by family at the Cortland Regional Medical Center. He was born November 3, 1952 in Cortland the son of the late Myron and Beverly Harvey Batsford. Jerry graduated from McGraw High School in 1970. He soon served with the U.S. Airforce as a sergeant during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge he served with the Air National Guard. Over the years he had been employed as a diesel mechanic at various locations. For the past twenty two years Jerry was employed at Cook Bros. Co. in Homer and most recently in Binghamton as their warranty manager. He was a member of the Cuyler Grange for over twenty five years serving as Master and Treasurer, Master of Pomona Grange, Overseer of the NYS Grange, member of the National Grange, NYS Grange Museum serving as president of board of directors, and president of NYS Grange Foundation Board. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, golfing, and grilling in the summer. Jerry was a Boy Scout leader and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, He and his wife enjoyed trips to Amish country in Pennsylvania. Jerry is survived by his wife of 32 yrs Linda Dehner Batsford, his brothers Edgar (Joan), Ronald (Linda), Michael (Laurie) Charles (Kimberly) Batsford, his sisters (favorite twin) Cindy (Carl) Bullock, Patricia Batsford, Renee (Jerry) Lobdell, brother in law Bruce Dehner, several nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Keith Batsford, brother in laws James and John Lanty. Calling hours will be Friday 4-7 pm Wright-Beard Funeral Home Inc., 9 Lincoln Ave., Cortland NY, 13045. Funeral services will be Saturday 10 am at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, with a grange service to follow. Spring burial will be at the New Woodstock Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Cuyler Grange, c/o Barbara Lavier, 2590 McKinley St., New Woodstock NY, 13122. To offer online condolences visit www.wright-beard.com