AUGUSTA – Alan Sanford Batchelder, 72, passed away peacefully on Jan. 6, 2022 at Togus VA Medical Center in the presence of his wife, Barbara (Marx) Batchelder. He was born in Dixmont on May 5, 1949. He was very proud to be a part of the U.S. Army. He served in the military from 1967-1970 as a fireman. He also worked as a fireman for many years after leaving the army. He also was active in the rodeo circuit where he was a heeler. Alan also drove big rigs cross country and enjoyed working as a heavy equipment operator.In his retirement Alan enjoyed fly fishing and tying flies with a veteran’s group. He also enjoyed Modern Western Square Dancing with his wife, being a Poppa and Glamping. He enjoyed living in many states including Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Nevada, and Florida before coming back home to Maine to be with family.Alan enjoyed many days and nights watching friends and family making quilts. He would help choose fabrics and be the first to “judge” the finished products.Alan loved being a stepfather to Tammara Roberts and her husband Bill, Herb Macomber and his wife Marney, and Melissa Dusoe and her husband Michael. He also enjoyed his eight grandchildren, Alysha Soule, Krysta Carney, Jessyca Begin, Zander Macomber, Markus Roberts, Mikey Dusoe, Mitchell Dusoe and Kaleb Macomber; and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.He was one of 13 children and is predeceased by his parents Earl and Eleanor (Dyer) Batchelder; as well as five of his siblings.A memorial service will be held in the spring with burial at the Veterans Cemetery in Augusta.Arrangements are in the care of Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main St., Fairfield, where memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of our website at http://www.familyfirstfh.com.