JOHN BATSON

DEXTER -- John H. Barton, 88, of West Plains died Thursday, Feb. 5, 1998, at his home.

He was born Oct. 15, 1909, in Kevil, Ky., son of Marshall E. and Stella Goode Batson. He and Martha Edsall were married Jan. 17, 1933. She died Oct. 19, 1970. He later married Edith Phares Shisko Feb. 22, 1973.

Batson was formerly of the Dexter area, moving to St. Louis in 1942. He had also lived in Granite City, Ill., and Lawton, Okla., moving to West Plains in December 1997. He worked at Boyds Clothing in St. Louis many years. He was a member of the Salvation Army.

Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Mary Smith and Naomi Greenlee of West Plains, Ruth Mitchell of Waurika, Okla.; two sons, John Batson of Waukesha, Wis., Larry Batson of Arcadia; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by two brothers.

Friends may call at Watkins and Sons Funeral Home in Dexter from noon until service time Monday.

Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Hagy Cemetery, with retired Major Herbert Dahl officiating.