Rev. Marvin Clayton Battles

Funeral services for the Rev. Marvin Clayton Battles, age 79, of Henderson will be held Thursday February 7, 2008 at 11:00am in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home in Henderson with the Rev. Bill Voss, Rev. Frank Battles and Rev. Jerry Chandler officiating. Graveside services will be at 3:00pm at the White Rock Cemetery near Martinsville under the direction of the Rader Funeral Home of Henderson. Marvin Clayton Battles departed this walk of life Tuesday February 5, 2008 at his residence. He was born January 2, 1929 in San Augustine County Texas to Marvin A. & Jessie Della Dillard Battles. He married Georgia Lou Davis of Longview December 3, 1949. Brother Battles was employed by R.G. LeTourneau Inc, and Letourneau University for thirty years. First with the industrial plant and then the University. During the same years, Brother Battles was involved in a full time pastoral ministry. He pastored churches in Nacogdoches, Shelby, Panola, and Rusk Counties. He was ordained to full work in the Gospel Ministry September 30, 1958 by the Longview Missionary Baptist Church. He has said he has burned the candle at both ends. If all the years of secular work and the gospel ministry could be placed end to end, I would be three times as old as I am. His work , both secular and ministerial were faithfully carried out. Professions of faith, converts to Christ, church members who had slipped away from being faithful in the church were reenlisted in a faithful walk with Christ, would perhaps number in the hundreds. Brother Battles loved his Lord, loved the Lord's people, and loved the Lords work and loved his family. He never tried to lord his ministry over God's Heritage, but tried to be an example to the flock.. He believed the the voice of authority rested with the church. There is no BIG I's and little you's. He believed each FAITHFUL member had one vote on each matter to be dispensed. He further believed the pastor was to oversee and feed the FLOCK. Brother Battles conducted numerous revival meetings through out the East Texas area. He was currently a member of the Greggton Missionary Baptist Church. Brother Battles was preceded in death by his parents Marvin & Della Battles, sister Inis Chandler, and brothers J.L. Battles, and D.L. Battles. He survived by his wife Georgia Battles of Henderson, daughter Jan Lake and husband Ronnie of Henderson.. Grandsons Stephen Lake & wife Jennifer of Houston, Scott Lake & wife Amanda of Henderson, Great Grandsons Logan & Landon Lake of Henderson. Sister Thelma Brackan of Nebraska, brother Rev. Frank Battles & wife Louise of Tyler Pallbearers will be Stephen Lake, Scott Lake, Bobby Chandler, Homer Davis, Rex Rains, and Rex Davis. Honorary Pallbearers will be Steve Stephens, Wayne Hopkins, Gilbert Rains, Kenneth Bailey, and Harold Rusk. The family visitation will be from 6pm until 8pm Wednesday night at the Funeral Home.

Rev. Marvin Clayton Battles

January 2, 1929 - February 5, 2008