Phil Eugene Batt was born on April 3, 1927 in Idaho. He was the youngest child of John and Elizabeth Karn Batt. He attended Wilder High School and after graduating, he served sixteen months in the United States Army Air Forces during and after World War II at Lowry Field, Colorado. Batt then went on to graduate from the University of Idaho. During his time at the university, he was known for leading a dance band and playing the clarinet and tenor saxophone.
Batt's political career began when he served as the 35th lieutenant governor of Idaho. He later became the 29th governor of Idaho, holding office from 1995 to 1999. Prior to these positions, he also served as Chair of the Idaho Republican Party and as a member of the Idaho Legislature. Batt was a member of the Republican Party throughout his political career.
Batt was married to Jacque Batt from 1948 to 2014. In 2015, at the age of 88, he married Francee Riley. He had a deep love for music and even had the opportunity to play with jazz legend Lionel Hampton in Moscow, Idaho at the UI festival. Batt was a talented musician and enjoyed sharing his love of music with others.
In addition to his political career, Batt was also an author. He self-published two books, a memoir titled "The Compleat Phil Batt: A Kaleidoscope" in 1999, and a compilation of humorous stories, "Life as a Geezer", in 2003. These books allowed Batt to share his experiences and insights with a wider audience.
Phil Eugene Batt will always be remembered for his dedication to public service and his love for his home state of Idaho. He was a respected leader who worked tirelessly to make a positive impact on the lives of those around him. Batt's legacy lives on through his family, his writings, and the lasting impression he made on the people of Idaho.