G.H. "Bud" Batchelor, 90, of Headrick, died Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007, at the Plantation Village Care Center in Altus.

He was born March 24, 1916, in Avery, Texas, to John Floyd and Tiney (Burns) Batchelor. When he was a small child, his family moved to Idabel where he attended school. He married Tincie Lewis on June 29, 1940, in McCurtain County. They moved to Altus in 1958.

He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy and received a Bronze Star in the Philippine Liberation and a victory ribbon for the Asiatic-Pacific. He was in seven of the major sea battles of World War II and received many other medals and ribbons. He was shipwrecked on a coral reef just offshore of Hanso, Japan. Serving his country ran in his family. Both his grandfathers served in the Civil War, one on the Union side and one on the Confederate side.

He loved to fish, squirrel hunt and spend time with his grandchildren, who lovingly called him "Daddy Bud." He farmed in the Jackson County area for many years before his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Tincie on May 2, 1998; a brother, Bill Batchelor; two sisters, Hattie Cochran and Estelle Davidson; and a brother and sister who died in infancy.

He is survived by four children, Tommy Batchelor of McAlester, Billie Goode and husband Rex of Blair, Becky Parsons and husband Coy of Headrick, and Peggy Hamlett and husband Derald of Wylie, Texas; one sister, Hazel Gammons of Idabel; 15 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Navajo Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home of Altus.