John C. Batten

1940 - 2011

John C. Batten, Newbury Park passed on to his Eternal home on December 19th, 2011.

He was born in Buena, WA on May 1, 1940 to Robert and Nona Batten. The family moved to Terra Bella, CA when John was 5 years old. After graduating from Porterville High School, he joined the Air Force in 1958. He served as an MP stationed in Japan, the Azores and Oxnard Air Base.

He joined the Ventura County Sheriffs Department in 1963. He was one of the first 12 inaugural police officers in the City of Thousand Oaks in 1965. He earned his Bachelors, Masters and Juris Doctorate degree and had visiting faculty status at Moorpark College teaching criminal justice. He retired from the Sheriffs Department in 1974. He had his own private investigation business for many years.

The later part of his life was spent serving his church in many areas helping people of all ages. He had a passion for studying God's Word and was a mighty prayer Warrior.

He is survived by his wife Ovalee Batten, daughter Stacie Hearp, (Brandon), son Jeff Batten, (Marla), grandchildren Logan, Kindall, Lawson, step children Michele Kosanke, (David), granddaughter Olivia, Jeff Gaddess (Katy). He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, brother and granddaughter Kirsten Lou Hearp, and has 6 surviving siblings.

A celebration of Johns life will be held January 14, 2011, 1 p.m. at Calvary Community Church, Westlake Village, CA.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to a fund established at Calvary Community Church to provide scholarships for student ministry camperships

He loved children, and his passion was that they learn about his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at an early age. Most called him John, but to some he was simply called Johnny.