Harry Batts

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Harry Batts, 65, of Sikeston died Friday, April 19, 2002, at Missouri Delta Medical Center.

He was born Oct. 9, 1936, in Fulton, Ky., son of Arlie and Emily Thompson Batts.

He had been married to Rena Jane Ligon, who died May 23, 1991. He and Mella Copous Parker were married Aug. 30, 1991.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served during the Korean War.

He was a member of the Miner Fire Department and had been a teacher at Sikeston Public Schools for 27 years before retiring.

Survivors include his wife, Mella; three sons, Lowell Batts of Ripley, Tenn., Steve Batts of Havlock, N.C., and Michael Batts of Sikeston; a daughter, Pam Robertson of Bernie, Mo.; four grandchildren; three stepchildren; 12 stepgrandchildren; and two stepgreat-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston

The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Revs. Delbert Bishop and Brian Smith officiating. Burial will be in the Garden of Memories Cemetery.