of Sidney, AR
December 1, 1928 - November 18, 2014
Johnny Van Battles, 85, of Sidney, died Tuesday, November 18, 2014, at his residence.
Born December 1, 1928, in Sidney, he was the son of Ethan Battles and Blanche (Westmoreland) Battles.
A well-known and respected cattleman, raising and selling cattle was his life. The Battles were the Sharp County Farm Family of the year in 1976. Johnny enjoyed attending stock sales and hunting quail, but most of all he enjoyed his children and his grandchildren. He was a member of Sidney Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Gwen (Anderson) Battles; two sons, Con Battles and wife, Saundra, and Tim Battles, all of Sidney; a daughter, Jan Battles Wesley and her husband, David, of Cave City; five grandchildren, Chance Battles, Matthew Battles and John Battles, all of Sidney, Sarah Huckabee of Cave City and Rachel Dodd of Cushman; and five great-grandchildren, Mikayla Huckabee and Sadie Huckabee of Cave City and Tristan Dodd, Cameron Dodd and Jordan Dodd, all of Cushman; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Brett Porter; grandparents, Elmer and Fannie Westmoreland; and a sister, Jean Spooner.
There will be a funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, November 20, 2014, at Sidney Cumberland Presbyterian Church with Alan Meinzer, Mike Higginbottom and David Wesley officiating.
Burial will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Sidney under the direction of Roller-Crouch McGee Funeral Home of Cave City.
Pallbearers will be Chance Battles, Matthew Battles, John Battles, Sidney Dodd, Adam Huckabee, Mark Spooner, Matthew Spooner and Randy Spooner.
Honorary pallbearers are Mike Nix, Jack Simpkins, Joe Arnn, Charles Evans, Earl Napier, and Everett Anderson.
Visitation is from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 20, 2014, at the church prior to the service.
So sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Gwen and Family. Sad surprise. I'll always remember that I never knew either of you except as "Johnny Van and Gwen".
Mike
Y'all are all in my thoughts and prayers. Johnny Van was a great man! He will be truly missed.
Gwen and family,
So very sorry for your loss. I'm keeping you all in my prayers.
God Bless,
Lisa
Prayers for your family during this time
Jan and Family, We're so sorry to hear of your loss and are praying for comfort during these days. Ron & Glenda
Sorry to hear about your loss. Praying for your family at this time.
I am thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers. I regret that I can't be with you at Johnny Van's service.
Love,
Franny
Johnny Van was such a bright spot in all the lives he touched. Our sympathy is with all his family and friends.
Linda Roth
I am so sorry to read of John's passing. He was always such a gentleman. May the Lord be with you through this very difficult time. Jan, Gwen, Tim, and Con Thinking of you all.
Sorry for your loss may God give you strength to help thru this time of sorrow
Gwen and family,
So sorry to learn of your loss. I have such great memories of Johnny Van and remember stories that daddy used to tell of him growing up, always told with such love and admiration. I won't be able to be at the service but please know that I will be thinking of you all and praying for you in the days ahead.
Love to all of you,
Evelyn
Sorry to hear about your loss. He was just a nice producer to work for.
Jan, sorry to hear of your loss. I am praying for you and your family during this time.