A Memorial visitation for John Batten, 85, formerly of Sullivan, MO, was from 9-11 a.m., Monday, January 16, 2017 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan. Graveside services and interment took place also on Monday, at 3:30 p.m. at Pennsboro Cemetery, Pennsboro, MO.
After a wholesome life, full of family, friends, honors and memories, John Allison Batten, Sr. departed this world for his Heavenly home on Sunday, January 8, 2017 in Overland Park, KS, after a brief illness. John was born in Pennsboro, MO on December 7, 1931 to Homer John and Myrtle Allison Batten. He was the youngest of seven incredible children born to the couple.
John married the love of his life Marilyn Louis Tucker, of Sullivan, MO, on March 4, 1952. Together, John and Marilyn enjoyed raising their three sons, John Jr., Joseph, and Bradley, but also were able to enjoy many years of traveling around the world, each time bringing back amazing memories to share at every Batten Family reunion at the family farm in South Greenfield.
John graduated from Greenfield High School and went on to Southwest Missouri State University where he received a degree in Education.
Always a teacher to all, John went on to complete his education at Arkansas State University with Master’s degrees in both History and Education. During his time in high school and college, John was an athletic standout in football, basketball and track. John was inducted to the Missouri State Hall of Fame for his achievements on the football field while in college.
John would use his endearing education to help so many others throughout his life, as he taught students in the classroom and led young men on the field of play as the head football coach at Nevada, MO, West Plains MO, Blytheville, AR and Kennett, MO, respectively. John led the Kennett Indian football team to the only undefeated season in school history, going 10-0 in 1960. He retired from coaching in Kennett with the highest winning percentage of any Kennett coach past or present at 69 percent. He was inducted into the Kennett Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000. John concluded his working career at Open Court Reading and Beckley Cardy Education, retiring in 2000 to spend time with Marilyn, traveling and enjoying his sons and their families.
After retirement, John and Marilyn also traveled the world. They traveled to both historic and exotic ports of call throughout Europe, Asia, North and South America. John loved the outdoors and cherished his yearly Canadian fishing trip with his family and friends. His other interest were family, duck and deer hunting, mowing his yard, and yes discussing current events.
John was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marilyn; his three sons, John Batten, Jr., Joseph Batten (and wife Jane), and Bradley Batten (and wife Elizabeth); his cherished grandchildren: Sarah Batten, Katherine Batten, Tucker Batten, Lindsey Dvorak and Caesar Lopez-Batten. John was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.
In addition, John is survived by his sister and her husband, Nadine and Dwain Hughes and sister in law, Duella Tucker and brother in law, Tom Tucker.
John was truly an amazing man who lived a full, long and wonderful life. His love for his wife, family, and friends always came first as he spent each and every day living life to its fullest. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, however knowing that he is now back in the arms of god and singing in glory with his brothers and sisters, is a great comfort to us all.
In lieu of flowers please make any donations to MO State University; Football Special Projects Fund; 300 S. Jefferson, Suite 100, Springfield, MO 65806.
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan, MO.