Al Batson

Alfred Dean Batson, known by friends as Al, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 after a twelve-year battle with cancer. He was attended to by the familiar staff members of Magnolia Square Assisted Living in Springfield, Mo. Alfred was 71 years old. Al was born in Christian County Missouri to Olen Alfred and Blanche Genevieve (Atchley) Batson on September 16, 1944. He was raised on a farm in Christian County where he enjoyed fishing and hunting on and around James River. He went to school at Green Ridge, which was a one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Republic High School in 1962. After high school, he worked for The Aut Swenson Stunt Show. He put on shows and traveled all over the United States. In 1966 he began his career with Hormel Foods in Springfield, MO. He relocated with the company to Oklahoma City, OK in 1991, and retired from the company in 1996. After retiring, he moved back to Missouri and lived in a cabin that was adjacent to Mark Twain National Forrest. During his retirement, Al enjoyed flea market picking, going to auctions, and traveling the U.S. He was an avid treasure hunter and loved searching for antiques and collectibles. Al is preceded in death by his father, Olen Batson; mother, Blanche Batson; and brother, Gene Batson. Al is survived by daughter, Shawna Batson of Washington DC; daughter, Randi Staples of Springfield; brother's Bill Batson of Fenton, Bob Batson of Nixa, and Lawrence Batson of Mo; niece, Linda Lovall, of OK; as well as great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, May 3, 2016, in Adams Funeral Home, Nixa. Online condolences can be made at adamsfuneralhome.net.