Atwell Batten

Atwell L. Batten PORTSMOUTH - Atwell Lee Batten, 98, died peacefully Sept. 6, 2008. He was the widower of Claudia Major Batten since her death in 1985. Mr. Batten, a native of Isle of Wight County, Virginia, was retired as an explosive loading leadingman from the Naval Weapons Station, Yorktown, after 32 years of service. He was a life member of B.P.O. Elks Lodge 82 and a lifetime member of Broad Street United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Gridiron Club and was a proud member of the 1927 Woodrow Wilson High School State Champion Football Team. Survivors include a brother, Ralph L. Batten of Portsmouth; nieces, Rosemary B. Phillips of Portsmouth and Paulette B. LeGrande of Chesapeake, who will remember his football stories forever. Also surviving is a niece, Francis D. McKenney and a nephew, James R. Driver, both of Virginia Beach; and several great-nieces and -nephews. A graveside funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Olive Branch Cemetery by the Rev. Marion Brown. Friends may join the family from 5 to 6 p.m. Monday in Foster Funeral Home, Portsmouth. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or to a charity of choice. The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Parson's Residential Care and Dr. Stanley Brittman and staff for their caring support.