J.W. Batten, 78, of Rector, died Wednesday, June 20, 2007, at Evergreen Health and Rehabilitation in Rector.

Born May 24, 1928, in Clay County to the late Henry Batten and Beatrice Huckabay Batten, he was a farmer, a lifelong member of the community and of the Baptist faith.

He also was preceded in death by two sons, Larry Batten and Terry Batten; two infant brothers, and three sisters, Hazel Wilson, Mary Parker and Wanda Jones.

Survivors include one son, Norman Batten of Rector; three daughters, Bonnie Spurlock of Rector, Diane Matteson of Gladwin, Mich., and Connie Coleman of Marmaduke; two brothers, Gene Batten of Rector and Charles Batten of Lafe; one sister, Shirley Abney of Flint, Mich.; four grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives.

Funeral services were at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 23, at Irby Funeral Home Chapel in Rector with Thurmon Holt and Waymon Holt officiating. Burial was in Ramer's Chapel Cemetery near Marmaduke with Irby Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.