Final Salute

Samuel J. Batluck, 98, transitioned peacefully due to natural causes into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Oct. 23, 2021, in Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Mo.

Born in Scranton on March 14, 1923, to John and Anna Batluck, Sam was the fifth of nine children and the oldest son. Graduating from Scranton Technical High School in 1941, Sam served in the United States Navy as a seabee (construction) from 1943 to 1945, achieving the rank of chief petty officer (E7). He was deployed to the Philippines in support of WWII and was honorably discharged in 1945. Sam graduated from Penn State with bachelor’s and master’s degrees and joined the industrial shop faculty in 1960 of the high school where he graduated. He retired in 1988 with more than 28 years in teaching. Sam was an avid family man, churchman and wood craftsman. He married Ann Sokoloski in September 1947 and was predeceased by his wife in 2007.

Survivors include his youngest sister, Georgiann Batluck of Pompton Plains, N.J.; his daughter, Beverly Ann Bates (Bill) of Chesapeake, Va.; his son, David J. Batluck (Cindy) of Lancaster; and his son, Joseph S. Batluck Sr. (Irene) of Nixa, Mo. He is also survived by six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was a fiercely proud patriot and American and flew his flag daily (in good weather) while living in his own home. He was loved and will be missed by many.

Interment services will be held at a later date.