Oliver Alden Batcheller

Oliver A. "Chip" Batcheller, aged 81 passed away peacefully Sunday morning December 1st, 2024 in the thoughtful care of the wonderful staff at Baptist Medical Center South hospice. His family was with him when he went home to be with his Lord and Savior. He was born February 23, 1943 to Oliver "Jolly" and Virginia Batcheller in Corvallis, OR.

Chip graduated from Claremont High School in Claremont, CA. Upon graduation from there he attended Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR. While attending OSU he pursued his desire to become a Navy Jet Pilot and upon graduation from there he reported to Aviation Officer Candidate School and was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy. He also went to Flight School in Pensacola, FL and earned his wings of gold as a Navy Pilot, first flying the A-4 Skyhawk, then the A-6 Intruder. He flew combat missions during the Vietnam war, served as a Flight Instructor for new Jet pilots, and held various squadron, ship, and staff duties throughout a 20+ year career. He commanded the Navy Facility on Diego Garcia and retired as a Commander after serving as the Executive Officer of Naval Air Station Fallon, NV.

Chip was a beloved husband, father, and friend. He was known as a deer-whisperer who had all of the deer at his home outside of Oak Harbor, WA trained to eat apples from his hand. He enjoyed spending time with his fellow Rock Hounds searching for stones and obsidian to use to knap arrowheads and knives from. He was well known in the Knapadonia group for enjoying hanging out and teaching new people. With his combat flying experience with the Navy he was also a member of the Cascade Hangar of the Quiet Birdmen, a group dedicated to recognizing these combat proven aviators.

Chip is survived by his wife Joanne, daughter Amy Tillotson (Ryan), son Scott Hudson, and granddaughter Olivia who is named after him.

Chip will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery. When the date for the inurnment is provided by Arlington the family will hold an informal ceremony for him at the cemetery to place his ashes with our nation's heroes. Those wishing to participate may contact the family for the specific details.