Joseph Edward Batturs, 86, of Lititz Pa died Saturday, March 13, 2010 at Moravian Manor. Born in West Chester, PA, he was the son of the late Richard and Marion C. Donahue Batturs of Philadelphia.

He was a graduate of Phoenixville High School and Millersville State Teachers College with a Bachelor and Masters Degree of Science in Education. He married fellow Millersville student Doris Ryland on May 14, 1955 and would have celebrated 55 years of marriage in May.

Mr. Batturs taught geography and earth science at John Reynolds Junior High School in the School District of Lancaster for 25 years and retired June 1979.

He proudly served as a paratrooper during WWII. He initially was a member of the Pennsylvania 28 ^th Infantry Division, later transferring to the 458 ^th paratroop artillery Regiment in the 13 ^th Airborne Division. He served in the European Theater of Operations mainly in France.

He was a man of many interests. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, beekeeper, great dancer and enjoyed going to auctions.

Surviving besides his wife Doris are five children: Sheila, Peggy, Jeanne, David, Jonathan, five grand children; Renee, Ryan, Jennifer, Chanel, Tatiana and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother Richard Batturs and three sisters: Marion Ressler, Elizabeth Batturs, and Grace Lyons.

Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Contributions may be made in Joseph's memory to Hospice of Lancaster County, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604 or Warwick Community Ambulance Association, 151 North Lane, P.O. Box 42, Lititz, PA 17543. Arrangements are by the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home and Chapel. To send online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com.