Allen Batton

Allen Hugh Batton, age 65 years of Niles, Michigan died peacefully Tuesday morning, November 29, 2016 at his home following an extended illness.

He was born on September 5, 1951 in Niles to Byphel Veston and Betty Glee (Crowell) Batton. He graduated from Niles High School where he played football and competed in track, and attended Southwestern Michigan College and Grand Valley State University. He was employed in retail automobile sales most of his life, and had sold at many area dealers. He also owned and operated the Niles and Mishawaka “Mr. Axle” rebuilding shop. More recently, he had been employed at Greenscapes, and at MAAC Property Services, and served as the property manager for the Howard Township Conservation Club.

Al enjoyed sports all of his life, played some semi-professional football, was a volunteer coach for the teams his children played on, and followed sports on television. He also continued his interest in automobile sales - buying, detailing, and reselling individual cars in his retirement. Al loved to BBQ and cookout for his family and friends. He was a friend of Bill W., and enjoyed the fellowship of the local Yana house.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and by a sister, Linda Liss. He was previously married to the former Patty Magdalinski.

Surviving family includes his long-time partner, Chandra Thomas of Niles; his daughters, Shelly (& Joseph) Messenger of Osceola, Indiana, Stacy Batton of South Bend, Indiana, Ashley Batton of Niles, and Kalee Antisdel of Niles; grandchildren Brooklyn, Alyssa, Braeden, and Nacom; Al’s brothers, Roger Batton of Three Oaks, Michigan and Tim (& Jackie) Batton of California; many nieces and nephews including Linda’s sons to whom he remained very close, Jimmy and Kelly Crabtree.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.

The funeral service for Allen Batton will be at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home in Niles with one of Allen’s best friends, Mr. Robert Kinney officiating.

Family and friends will gather Monday at 9:30 a.m. at the funeral home to process to a 10:00 a.m. committal service at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Contributions in memory of Allen may be made to the Yana Club, 514 Eagle Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.