Kenneth E. Batson, 84, formerly of Little Swan Lake, died at 11:35 a.m. Sunday, January 21, 2024, in LaMoine Assisted Living Center in Macomb.
He was born July 28, 1939, in rural Laura, Illinois, the son of Charles and Dora E. (McCullough) Batson. He married Louise P. Sabetti on June 27, 1964, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Abingdon.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Louise; a son, David (Stacy) Batson of Little Swan Lake; three grandchildren, Hope, Alex, and Abby; a great grandson, Henry; a brother, Chuck (Linda) Batson of Abingdon; four sisters, Betty Gordon of Abingdon, Shirley Blodgett of Abingdon, Emma Lou Lambert of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and Mary Jo Russo of Abingdon; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Harry, Art, Ronnie, and Robert.
Kenny was the owner/operator of Batson’s Ace Hardware in Bushnell for 50 years. He retired in 2009. He graduated from Abingdon High School in 1957. He was of the Catholic faith. Kenny enjoyed spending time with his family.
Kenny was a veteran of the United States Navy, where he served for five years with the Pacific Fleet during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Abingdon American Legion and the Bushnell VFW.
Funeral Mass will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, January 26, 2024, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Abingdon. Cremation will be accorded following Mass. Burial will be later in the Abingdon Cemetery, where Military Honors will be conveyed. A celebration of Kenny’s life will continue beginning at 3 p.m. Friday at the Abingdon American Legion. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bushnell Fire and Rescue or the Abingdon American Legion. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services of Abingdon is honored to serve the family. Online condolences and memories may be left on the funeral home’s website at www.h-p-w.com.
