John “Cliff” Battles, 93, of Festus died Aug. 7, 2020 at his home. Mr. Battles retired as a general foreman after 38 years at McDonnell Douglas. He was a longtime member of the First Christian Church of Hematite, a member of the Gideons International and Show-Me Woodturners. He enjoyed Cardinals baseball, University of Missouri basketball and fishing. Born Sept. 23, 1926, in Piggott, Ark., he was the son of the late Goldie (Scott) and William Battles.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Norma Lucinda “Missie” Battles.
He is survived by two sons: Garry (Karen) Battles of Imperial and Fred “Stuart” (Charlene McIntosh) Battles of Walton, Ky.; two daughters: Lucinda (Larry) Heitman of Sedgewickville and Christy Winkler of De Soto; 10 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a daughter: Martha Brester; a son: Larry Van Battles; a son-in-law: Frank Winkler; a grandson: Jered Koehler; and five siblings.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Vinyard Funeral Home, 616 W. Main St., in Festus. Visitation will resume at 10 a.m. until an 11 a.m. service Wednesday, Aug. 12, at First Christian Church of Hematite, 3711 Hwy. P, officiated by Pastor Philip Wallace. Burial will be in Hematite Christian Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Gideons International. Arrangements are under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home.