Mr. Batchelor was born Dec. 19, 1923, in Wilson, Okla., to Jessie L. and Lizzie Wilson Batchelor.

He married Mariam Ford Williams on June 2, 1990, in Boonville. He has 2 sons, Floyd P. II and 2 daughters, Elaine and Barbara and 4 stepson, Frank, William, Steven and Jason; 22 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

He was an engineer and pipeline welder. He was also a country and western performer and promoter.

He opened and sang with Ernest Tubb on many occasions. He was also an accomplished artist.

He served in the United States Army Air Force, 60th Bomb Squadron during World War II.

He was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Boonville.

Floyd P. Batchelor died 28 February 2003, at the age of 79 in Boonville.

Excerpts from the obituary of Floyd P. Batchelor found on the Columbia Daily Tribune web site.