Franklin A. Batchelder Sr. , 79, of Prospect Street, Groveton, N.H., died Sunday morning, March 2, 2008, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, White River Junction, Vt. Mr. Batchelder was born in Lyndon, Vt., on Aug. 22, 1928, the son of Maurice and Carolyn (Fogg) Batchelder. Frank grew up in the East Haven and Burke, Vt., area and was a graduate of St. Johnsbury Tech School. From 1951 to 1953, he served stateside with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Most of his life, he has worked as an auto mechanic, but for a time he was employed as an electrician including work at the East Haven Radar Station. His career as a mechanic included working with his father, Lyndonville Auto and Roberts Motor Sales where he was employed from 1962 to 1981. He then moved to Florida where he was employed at Palm Beach Lincoln Mercury. In 1995, his wife Ruth (Dexter) died and he returned to Groveton to be close to family. He was a Free and Accepted Mason, a member of the American Legion, former member of the Lancaster Sno-Drifters, and a former Merit Badge Counselor for the Boy Scouts of America. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and woodworking in his workshop. Family members include three sons, Franklin A. "Bud" Batchelder Jr. and his wife, Tanya of Lancaster, Michael Batchelder and his wife, Nanci of Hendersonville, NC, Brian Batchelder and his wife, Suzanne of Groveton; seven grandchildren, Steven Batchelder, Jenilee Batchelder, Kristina Batchelder, Travis Batchelder and with Cathrine, Todd Batchelder, Shauna Watson and husband Jeff, Zackery Batchelder; four great-grandchildren, Coral Batchelder, Katie Batchelder, Kiley Watson, Jordan Watson; a brother, Donald Batchelder and his wife, Gladys of Waterford, Vt.; and a sister, Dorothy Kenison and her husband, George of Lunenburg. He was also predeceased by an infant brother Richard Batchelder. At Frank Sr.'s request, there are no visiting hours. A graveside service will be held in the spring at Summer Street Cemetery, Lancaster. An announcement will be published at that time.