Virgil Joseph Batcher Jr.

Born on September 14, 1928, Richmond, Indiana. Passed away at age 89, on March 16, 2018 in Naples Florida. After many wonderful years of life with his wife, Ruth Batcher, Virgil has gone to heaven to continue his amazing work.

Working as a farmer with his dad, he became well known in his home town of Liberty Indiana, as being the guy to go to for getting something built, of course along with farming and his charity work. He joined the Navy and while stationed in Washington DC met his wife of 70 years, Ruth.

To continue his building skills, and raise a family, they moved to Naples Florida in the late 50’s. He became an executive with Michigan Homes, opened the Naples branch where he built hundreds of homes and buildings in Southwest Florida over the past 60 years. Most of them, while outdated, still stand today. Everybody knows a Michigan Home, not a one lost to Hurricane Dona or beyond. He was also a founding member of many of Naples Community endeavors. Elder and Head Usher of First Presbyterian Church of Naples, where he built the original church, then also helped to build the new church as it is today, a founding family. Spent many years of building houses for Habitat for Humanity, built Youth Haven of Naples, various City of Naples boards and committees, member of the men’s clubs of Naples, the Optimist Club for boys, Naples Yacht Club youth sailing program, to name a few. Was a proud member of the 40 gallon club totaling out at 90 gallons with the Naples Community Hospital blood bank. During the last few years he built wood toys from scratch for needy children of the county and also delivered bread to all the area shelters in his dads 1928 ford truck. All who knew him, knew he would say he would give you his shirt off his back, and did for many. His daily quote, “keep smiling my friend”.

He was proceeded by, his mother, father, Mary and Virgil Batcher Sr., his Sisters, Carolyn, and Juanita, his son and daughter Larry and Jodie.

He is survived by, his wife Ruth, his brother Ray, his sons, daughter and adopted daughter, Gary, Rusty, Vicki, Cathy, along with their families, which include, 17 grandkids, 27 great grand kids, and 3 great great, grand kids, which makes five generations. Also to included numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Viewing will be at Naples Memorial Gardens on Wednesday the 21st day of March, Family at 5:30, Friends at 6:00, with a Service at the downtown Naples First Presbyterian Church on Thursday the 22nd day of March, 2:30.

Instead of flowers, please give to a charity of choice in his name, you will find many that know him well. “Again keep smiling my friends”