Richard "Rick" Martin Batton

June 6, 1947 - January 25, 2021

“And Jesus said unto him (the thief on the cross), ‘Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.’” Therein lies our hope. We know that our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Richard (Rick) Martin Batton, passed into paradise on the morning of January 25, 2021, after a life of service on this earth. Rick gave a good part of his life to the care of others, never complaining. He did so with grace and humor. Rick was retired from U.S. Steel as an industrial electrician/electronics tech. In his earlier life, Rick was the captain of his football team, a champion wrestler, trophy winning chess player, and Roman and World War II historian. As well, he was a many time trophy winning power lifter, bench pressing 470 pounds at the age of 50. Rick loved the mountains and the Alabama gulf coast, where he lived for eight years with his wife. He loved just sitting and enjoying the gulf breeze and the view. He logged many miles on his Townie bike around the Gulf Shores area. He was loved by family, friends, and neighbors for his wit and kind heart. Rick is survived by his wife Reba Stubbs Batton (who will love him forever); his son William Martin Batton (Thy) and daughter Jana Batton Duke (Jeff); grandchildren Jacob, Jayden, and Jacob Duke; and Remi Batton. We know that he is hugging sweet baby Sarah Joy Duke even now before sending her on her way to see us who are anxiously awaiting her arrival here. Our hearts are heavy with mourning, but we know that those who are absent from the body are present with the Lord, and we praise God for that assurance. The family will have a private memorial service.