John "Sonny" J. Battle's Obituary
Paris - John J. "Sonny" Battle, age 80, of Paris, passed away Friday, July 31, 2015 at his residence. He was born on the family farm in Barton Township on May 6, 1935, the son of John and Catherine (Whalen) Battle, where he lived and farmed his entire life. In 1955, Sonny married Maxine Kailing, who preceded him in death in 2010. He founded Sonny's Service in Reed City and was the longtime owner/operator of S & S Well Drilling. Sonny loved his horses, and enjoyed saddle and harness racing as well as rodeos. He also liked dancing and playing cards. He was a member of St. Anne Catholic Church in Paris. Sonny is survived by two daughters, Colleen (Stuart) Sauntman of Chase and Arleen Couch of Paris; three sons, Ralph of Schenectady, New York, Michael of Paris, and Earl of Paris; thirteen grandchildren, Wyatt, Sondra, Shari, Alex, Dale, Helena, Chad, Shelaine, Nichole, Macie, Austin, Spencer, & Rebekah; 13 great grandchildren; one brother, Robert (Judi) Battle of Grand Rapids; five sisters, Mary Beatrice Wright of Mecosta, Dorothy Kardos of Evart, Romaine (Tom) Magda of Jonesville, Kathleen (Gary) Hutson of Portland, & Barbara (Ron) Baker of Paris; and many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by a son, Gerald; a grandson Wayne Couch; and two brothers, Mike & Tommy Battle. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 am Monday, August 3, 2015 at St. Anne Catholic Church in Paris with Fr. Michael Hodges officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Anne Cemetery. Sonny's family will greet friends from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Sunday, August 2, 2015 at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with a Rosary Service beginning at 6:30. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anne Catholic Church, with envelopes available at the funeral home.
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