Harry Wilbur Batson, 91 of Abingdon, died 9:48 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg.
He was born February 11, 1924 in Spickard, Missouri, the son of Charles and Dora Ellen McCullough Batson. He married Lucille Courson on November 1, 1941 in Palmyra, Missouri. She preceded him in death on October 3, 1996.
Harry is survived by eight siblings, four brothers, Robert Batson of Oquawka, Ronald (Joanne) Batson of Abingdon, Charles “Chuck” (Linda) Batson of Abingdon and Kenneth (Louise) Batson of Little Swan Lake, Avon, four sisters, Betty Gordon of Abingdon, Shirley (Harold) Blodgett of Abingdon, Emma Lou “Patsy” (Glenn) Lambert of Fayetteville, Arkansas and Mary Jo Russo of Abingdon; one sister-in-law, Dutch Batson of Abingdon; and several nieces and nephews and their families.
Harry was also preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Art Batson, one sister-in-law, Sara Batson, two brothers-in-law, George Gordon and Nicholas Russo, and a very dear friend and neighbor, Virginia Bates.
He lived in the Abingdon area most of his life. He served in the 37th Infantry of the Army during WW II under the direction of General McArthur when the United States Forces helped reclaim the Philippines. He worked many years at Briggs Manufacturing Company in Abingdon. He was a member of the Harry E. Wiles American Legion Post #381 in Abingdon.
Harry was very fond of dogs and loved to go to dog races. He loved to watch baseball and was a die-hard St. Louis Cardinal fan.
Graveside service with military rites will be at 11 a.m. Monday, June 29, 2015 at the Abingdon Cemetery. Mrs. Eleanor Landon will officiate. Visitation will be 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel.
Memorials may be made to the Knox County Humane Society. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
