David G. "Shorty" Batton

BATTON, DAVID "SHORTY" G., 74, passed away peace-fully at home on May 8, 2008. He was born on January 5, 1934 in Ashton, FL, the son of Collie and Josephine Stratton Batton. Shorty was a 1952 graduate of St. Cloud High School where he was captain of the football team. He was a descendant of an Osceola pioneer family and a lifelong resident. He enjoyed sharing memories of his childhood days growing up in old "Cracker" Florida, in an era long gone. Shorty will be remembered for his great storytelling, his sense of humor and mischievous spirit, love of nature and green thumb. Many friends and neighbors reaped the benefits from his garden. Shorty enjoyed spending time with his buddies, playing cards, hunting, fishing, the rodeo and shopping at garage sales and thrift stores. He loved reading about Florida history. He considered himself the "Mayor" of Kissimmee Park and was always ready to help a friend and neighbor. He is survived by his wife Paulette, who he married on February 14, 1995; his son Travis of St. Cloud; daughter Kathy Jo of Kissimmee Park; sister Mary of St. Cloud and niece Sheila Sullivan, eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Shorty was blessed with many friends, including lifelong friends, cousin Jack Wallace, Steve Dubrovsky, Jack Meli, and Kevin Barber. He was preceded in death his son David Batton Jr., sister Sarah Ann Lancaster and brothers Charles and Merle Batton. Shorty lived a colorful and full life, those who had the pleasure of knowing Shorty appreciated this unique, legendary character "Full of Sparkle, Dash and Go." Goodbye Shorty. A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Shorty
Batton will be held Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 11AM at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 700 Brown Chapel Road, St. Cloud, FL. Memorial contributions may be made to Vitas Hospice Charitable Fund, 5151 Adanson Street, Suite 200, Orlando, FL 32804. Arrangements by Conrad & Thompson Funeral Home, 511 Emmett St., Kissimmee, FL 34741. 407-847-3188