Galen E. Batten

Galen E. Batten, age 81, of Carson passed away October 27, 2011 at Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, IA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials directed to the family.

Galen Edward Batten, one of seven children of Ray Gaies Batten and Sylvia Maude (Carr) Batten, was born on April 10, 1930, in Silver City, Iowa. Galen was baptized at the Wesley Chapel Methodist Church at rural Hastings, Iowa. The family moved to Mineola and later to Macedonia, Iowa, where Galen graduated from high school in 1950.

Following high school, Galen entered the U.S. Navy, where he was a gunner mate 2nd class, serving during the Korean War. While in the service, Galen and Marjorie Ann Achenbaugh were united in marriage on March 4, 1951, in Yuma, Arizona. Galen was discharged in September 1954, and he and Marge made their home on a farm in Hastings, Iowa. They later moved to Henderson, Iowa and in 1959, moved to a farm east of Carson, Iowa. On March 6, 2005, their home was destroyed by a fire and they moved to their present home in Carson.

Their marriage was blessed with four children, Cynthia Ann, Edward Wayne, Johnie Kent, and Julie Vera. Galen loved the land, being a farmer, and caring for his garden. Besides their work on the farm, he and Marge ran a catering business, Batten Barbeque, for 15 years. They also worked as custodians at the Carson School, and for 12 years, Galen drove the school bus and activity bus. They both helped at the Hertz Funeral Home by putting out notice cards and helping whenever needed.

Galen was a member of the Carson United Methodist Church and the Coral Masonic Lodge No. 430. He had served as two terms as commander of the Carson American Legion Post 556. He was very patriotic, a big supporter of the community, loved the Carson Rodeo, and country music. His greatest love was being with his family and following his children and grandchildren's activities. He was warm and generous, a friend to many, and usually, the "life of the party."

Galen and Marge had celebrated 60 years of marriage at the time of his death on October 27, 2011. He had attained the age of 81 years, 6 months, and 17 days. Galen was preceded in death by his parents; son Ed Batten in 2004; brothers, Marlin Batten and wife Phyllis, Glen Batten and wife Marge, and 7-year old Wayne Batten; sister, Lois Corbin and husband Don; and brother-in-law, Reggie Pendegraft.

Galen is survived by his wife Marge Batten of Carson; children, Cindy Haack and husband Don, Johnie Batten and wife Alma, all of Council Bluffs, and Julie Tippery and husband Brian of Carson; grandchildren, Justin, Angela, Jackie, Brittney, Jesse, Jordan, and Johnie; great grandchildren, Carly and Nolan; sisters, Phyllis Pendegraft, and Wilma Lewis and husband Joe, all of Carson; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.