Oral W. Batterton

Oral Batterton, 90 of Desloge, passed away Thursday, November 22, 2012 at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis.He was born February 18, 1922 in Viola, AR to the late William and Mabel (Cooper) Batterton. Oral proudly served his country as a member of The United States Navy during WWII on a P.T. Boat, in the Pacific.He later attended Arkansas State University where he graduated in 1950, with a degree in Education.He taught and coached for 34 years in the Desloge and North County School District, as a business and physical education teacher, track, baseball and basketball coach.He loved being on the river and was an avid fisherman.Oral was also a member of the Desloge First Baptist Church and loved music. He is preceded in death by parents, William and Mabel Batterton; and eight brothers and sisters. Oral is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Linda (Bruce) Batterton; children, Donella Ray of Desloge, Denise (Mrs. Robert) Perry of Bartlesville, OK; two grandchildren, Robby and Lindsay Perry; and one great-granddaughter, Vera; numerous nieces, nephews and treasured fishing buddies. Visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge, Saturday, November 24, 2012 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.The visitation will resume at Barkers Funeral Home in Salem, AR on Monday, November 26, 2012 at 11:00 AM with the service following at 2:00 PM.Interment will be at the Gum Springs Cemetery in Salem AR.In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be given to the Desloge Public Library, or Park Hills First Baptist Church Building Maintenance Fund.