Melvin Leland Batton, 67, passed away Friday, April 10, 1992, at the Good Shepherd Health Center in Mason City, Iowa. Melvin, the son of Edward and Kate (Wuben) Batton, was born June 2, 1924 in Kossuth County.  He received his education in the Leland school.  He entered the United States Army in 1948 and was discharged in 1949 from Ft. Ord, California.  During the Korean conflict, he was recalled to active duty, serving with the military police in Japan, until July of 1951.  He then worked as a farm hand for a number of years. On June 26, 1972, he was united in marriage with Cora M. Stites of Britt at Elmore, Minnesota.  The couple made their home at Britt, where he was employed with Marting Manufacturing.  He entered the Good Shepherd Health Center in August of 1990. Melvin was a member of the Britt American Legion Post #315, before his illness.  He enjoyed gardening, flowers, children and dogs. He was preceded in death by his parents; an aunt, Bertha Chollett, who raised him; five brothers; one sister and  nephew, Bruce Gayken. Survivors include his wife, Cora Batton of Britt, Iowa; one stepdaughter, Lisa Baltierra and her husband, Marty of Des Moines, Iowa; one sister, Beverly Gayken and her husband, Harold of Britt, Iowa; three sisters-in-law: Donna Batton of Owatonna, Minnesota, Betty Batton of Monfort, Pat Batton of Dixon, Illinois; 20 nieces and nephews; 34 great nieces and nephews.