J. D. Batton

John David Batton, known as J. D. Batton (February 13, 1911 – February 10, 1981),[1] was from 1952 to 1964 the sheriff of his native Webster Parish in northwestern Louisiana. He was defeated after three terms by O. H. Haynes Jr., a fellow Democrat and the son of the sheriff, O. H. Haynes Sr., whom Batton had himself unseated twelve years earlier.

For the English painter, see John D. Batten.

John David "J. D." Batton
Grave of former Sheriff J. D. Batton of Webster Parish in Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Minden, LA
Sheriff of Webster Parish, Louisiana
In office July 1, 1952 – May 1, 1964
Preceded by	O. H. Haynes Sr.
Succeeded by	O. H. Haynes Jr.
Chief of Police of Minden, Louisiana
In office July 1, 1948 – July 1, 1952
Preceded by	Mrs. Benjamin Garey Gantt (interim)
Succeeded by	Otis F. Minter Sr.
Personal details
Born	February 13, 1911 Minden, Webster Parish Louisiana, USA
Died	February 10, 1981 (aged 69) Minden, Louisiana
Resting place	Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Minden
Nationality	American
Political party	Democratic
Spouse(s)	Maxine Evans Batton
Relations	Jack Batton (brother)
Children	Roger Evans Batton John Willis Batton Karen Sue Batton
Alma mater	Minden High School Tyler Commercial College
Occupation	Law-enforcement officer Businessman

Law-enforcement career

Webster Parish Sheriff

Shortly after his first reelection, Batton was named one of seventeen directors of the Webster Parish Citizens' Council, a body which sought to prevent school desegregation. Others in the council were the mortician Ed Kleinegger, Tax Assessor Richard B. Garrison, and the Minden High School principal, W. W. Williams.[2]

References

1. "Former Chief, J. D. Batton, Succumbs", Minden Press-Herald, February 10, 1981, p. 1.
2. "Rainach to Speak at Council Meet Tomorrow Night," Minden Press, April 16, 1956, p. 1.