Clair Batty

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Joseph Clair Batty, 85, loving husband of Karen, was diagnosed with leukemia on New Year’s Eve and passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, in their home on February 3, 2025. 

Clair, the youngest of five children, was born to Marquis Ivan and Ella McKee Batty in Wallsburg, Utah, on June 27, 1939. His personality and work ethic were shaped by growing up on the family ranch in Vernal, Utah. He graduated as valedictorian from Uintah High School in Vernal, Utah, and earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering at Utah State University. At MIT, he set a record by completing his doctorate in the shortest time ever, solving a problem no other student had overcome. Clair had a world-renowned career at Utah State University where he became head of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Beloved by students, he received multiple teaching excellence awards and continued to hear from former students who were deeply impacted by his teaching. He also spent decades at Space Dynamics Laboratory as a Senior Scientist, mentoring hundreds of students and contributing to major projects, including the Mars Rover, Mercury orbiters, the Hubble Space Telescope, and NASA missions like SABER and WISE. After retiring, he founded Thermal Management Technologies, which continues his legacy in engineering and aerospace today.

Clair loved teaching and the miracle of science, but his heart truly beat for the life of a cowboy. As a child, he was a master horseman and a crack marksman with a rifle. He loved to spend time on Diamond Mountain, just outside of Vernal, and some of his fond memories were the week-long horse rides with his nephew, Bill Batty, and his family. His grandchildren would sit open-mouthed listening to his near-death experiences on horseback and as a rancher. It was clear that his life had been preserved time and again so he could continue his work as a disciple of Jesus Christ. He is known far and wide for telling stories that recount his personal experiences, imparting memorable spiritual or scientific principles.

Clair was filled with compassion and was quick to observe others in need. He always had a kind word or a deserving hug for anyone he met. He connected easily and influenced deeply. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he served multiple times on the high council, and as a bishopric counselor, a bishop, and twice as a stake president. He and Karen served a mission at the UCLA Westwood Institute in Los Angeles, California.

Clair married Lela Licht in 1959, and they raised four children together. After Lela’s passing, he married Karen Olsen Holman becoming a stepfather to her four children. Together, they now have 28 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Clair and Karen shared 33 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, adventure, and service. They traveled the world together, making priceless memories and lifelong friends. At home, they worked side by side each day enjoying what they created together. They attended numerous cultural events each year and loved appreciating the talents of others. Above all, they cherished time with family. They enjoyed a life rich with love, laughter, and a daily celebration of everything.

Clair was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Lela, three brothers, and his son-in-law Gary Norman. He is survived by his wife Karen and eight children: Pam (Bruce) Theurer, Angela Norman, Greg (Ann) Batty, Alvin (LeAnne) Trujillo, Bret (Lisa) Holman, Jessica (Ryan) Harris, Nathan (Mindee) Holman, and Randal Holman, as well as his beloved sister Betty Jo Hall. 

A viewing will be held at Allen Mortuary of North Logan, 420 East 1800 North, on Monday, February 10 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 11, at the North Logan Chapel, 1650 East 2600 North, with a viewing prior from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at North Logan Memorial Park, 2200 East 2500 North.