David S. Batcheller's Obituary
David S. Batcheller passed away peacefully on July 21, 2024. Born on May 28, 1928 in Miami
Florida, David’s early life was spent in Coral Gables and on his family farm on Sunset Drive.
David excelled at his studies, receiving both undergraduate and law school degrees from the
University of Florida in just three and a half years.
David dedicated over fifty years of his life to the legal profession, as a distinguished partner at
Kelley Drye & Warren, previously known as Smathers & Thompson. David was a cornerstone of
the legal community, known for his profound expertise in law and a strong belief in justice. His
career was marked by numerous successes and a deep dedication to his clients and
colleagues.
David believed in supporting his community, being a past president of the Miami Chapter of the
American Red Cross, a board member of the Miami Heart Institute, a member of the Rotary
Club of Miami, a member of the Biscayne Bay Pilots Association, a member of the advisory
board of Pan American Bank, a Kentucky Colonel, and a past president of the Bay Point
community. David had a profound love for God, aviation, and the sea. From his earliest years, he found joy
in boating and spending time on the water with his family. David's passion for the sea was
matched only by his devotion to his beloved wife, Joe Ann Deming Batcheller. Their marriage,
spanning an extraordinary 67 years, was filled with shared adventures on the water. Together,
they built a life rich in love, respect, and shared experiences of travels around the world. Their
love is a cherished example of marital devotion to their family and friends.
David is preceded in his death by his parents George E. Batcheller and Ella S. Batcheller; and
his siblings, Elizabeth Brown, Edith Hazelhurst, and Mary Ann Conroy. David is survived by his wife Joe Ann Batcheller; his children, David S. Batcheller Jr and his wife Patrice, Elizabeth B. Whalen and her husband Michael, Osmer S. Batcheller Sr, and John A. Batcheller Sr and his wife Elissa; his grandchildren, Patrick Whalen and his wife Chantal, Joseph Whalen, Daniel Whalen, David Batcheller and his wife Stephanie, Osmer Batcheller Jr, John Batcheller Jr, Anne Batcheller, Edgar Batcheller, Yvonne Batcheller; as well as four greatgrandchildren and dear friends.
A service will be held to honor David's life and legacy on August 23, 2024 at 11:00am at the Van
Orsdel Funeral Home (Midtown Chapel) located at 3333 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Miami Heart Research Institute in his memory.
What’s your fondest memory of David?
What’s a lesson you learned from David?
Share a story where David's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with David you’ll never forget.
How did David make you smile?
