Robert Batten

Robert Batten, 86Sun City resident Robert E. Batten died Jan. 18 after a long and courageous battle with diabetes.Mr. Batten was born Feb. 18, 1921 in Moline, Ill., the only son of Milo and Margaret Batten. He married Margaret E. Anderson in 1942 and she preceded him in death in 1985. He later married Dorothy L. Kellums of East Moline, Ill., and they were married 21 years.A U.S. Navy veteran, Mr. Batten served in World War II in the Aleutian Islands campaign and in the Pacific Theater. He was a 32-degree Mason Lodge 898, life member in both Drier Whitney VFW Post 1933 and American Legion 246. He belonged to the Scottish Rites in Moline, High 12 and Thor Viking lodges.He was a long-time member of the Silvis United Methodist Church in Illinois and Faith Presbyterian Church in Sun City. His love of camping took him all over the western United States , many eastern states and into Mexico. He also loved the ocean, and visited Hawaii, Alaska and the Pacific islands. He enjoyed playing cards and dominos with friends and family.He retired from the Arsenal as an electrician. He enjoyed using his electrical skills to help friends and neighbors with their electrical problems.He was described as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.Mr. Battern is survived by his wife, Dorothy; four sons, Larry (Sandy) Batten of Wellington, Fla., Tom (Peg) Batten of Princeton, Wis., Ken (Roxi) Batten of Moline, Ill., and Paul Batten of Silvis, Ill.; four grandchildren, Michael (Linda) Batten of Indianapolis, Ind., Susan (Clay) Curry of East Moline, Ill., Jim Batten of Las Vegas and Jeff (Roseann) Batten of Las Vegas; two great-grandchildren, Madlyn and Alex Curry of East Moline; and a niece, Carol Johnson of Moline. Ill.Funeral services and burial were Jan. 25 in East Moline, Ill., where Mr. Batten also had a home.Memorials can be made to Faith Presbyterian Church or Hospice of the Valley, both in Sun City, or Silvis United Methodist Church in Silvis, Ill.