Paul Batton
Paul Wesley Batton, a man who squeezed every last drop out of life and his body, passed away in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, on July 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, hard work, patriotism, and deep devotion to family and friends.
Born in Seattle, Washington on October 22, 1943, Paul grew up on Queen Anne Hill, graduating from Queen Anne High School in 1962. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, proudly serving his country as an Aircraft Electrical Repairman until May 1966. A patriot to the end, Paul loved the beautiful U.S. of A. and was proud of the country he served.
Fresh out of the Navy, Paul was then hired by United Airlines, where he worked as a mechanic for 10 years. While based in San Francisco, he met the love of his life, Joan Kay Udelius of Hood River, Oregon. Their love story began in 1970 and led to 53 years of devoted marriage, officially beginning on March 12, 1972, in Portland, Oregon.
In 1977, Paul and Joan moved from California to Washington after the birth of their daughter, Kibby. They soon began their next big adventure: buying and running G&N Septic Tank Service. For nearly 30 years, Paul poured his energy and resourcefulness into building the business and providing for his family. It was in Fife where they raised Kibby, who was his pride and joy. The two shared a uniquely close bond—filled with love, trust, laughter, and a deep, unspoken understanding that lasted a lifetime.
Paul never did anything halfway. After selling their business and Fife home, he and Joan built a home in Ocean Shores—a coastal retreat they had cherished for years while camping there in their travel trailer. They fully embraced life at the beach, enjoying the peaceful setting and welcoming visits from family and friends.
Later, when the opportunity arose to be closer to family, they began a new chapter by building a home on Black Lake in Olympia. It was a place already filled with memories, as Kibby’s in-laws had long gathered and celebrated there. Paul loved being nearby and cherished time with his grandchildren, Ashlyn and Kyler. He also shared a deep bond with his son-in-law, Ryan, who he came to love as a son.
Paul lived life with grit, heart, and humor. He hunted across the West, proudly harvesting whitetail, mule deer, Coues deer, blacktail, antelope, elk, and javelina. He fished, told stories, and loved to host his friends—gatherings filled with card games, shared meals, drinks, and plenty of laughter. He was never tired of traveling and always dreamed of the next trip—especially cruising—eager to see more, do more, and experience the world with Joan by his side. He had a wry sense of humor and the kind of steady loyalty that made him the friend you wanted in your corner.
He was a cool mix of everything you’d want in a man—quiet strength, deep love, and a rare combination of toughness and tenderness. He was a dog lover through and through, sharing his life with eight dogs over the years, each one a cherished companion.
In 2021, he and Joan made their final move to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, continuing their tradition of following love, family, and the next great chapter. Through every season, Paul adored and spoiled Joan, the love of his life, honoring her with gestures large and small and gratitude that deepened as his health declined.
He met life’s challenges with strength, humor, and humility. He loved deeply, laughed often, and lived fully.
Paul is survived by his beloved wife Joan Batton of Coeur d’Alene; his daughter Kibby Batton Aslakson (Ryan); and his treasured grandchildren, Ashlyn and Kyler Aslakson, all of Bellevue, WA. He was preceded in death by his sister Janice Batton Manning, father Paul Rupert Batton, and mother Virginia Edna Strevel Batton.
He left this world as he lived in it—on his terms, having given it everything he had.
He will be missed beyond measure.