John Martin Batista was born to John and Mary Batista in Tulare, California on August 29, 1934, and passed away on Thursday morning, June 6, 2013. He spent his childhood growing up in Tulare and graduated from Tulare Union High School. He attended the College of the Sequoias and was drafted into the United States Army. John returned home and married Emma Decoito and raised two daughters, Cathryn and Yvette. He moved to Palm Desert, California where he built a successful Electrical Contracting company. John remarried in 1982 to Norma Kay Borges and relocated to Visalia where they were reunited with family, friends, and their church community. John is survived by his wife of 30 years, Norma-Kay, his two daughters, Catherine Batista of Carlsbad, and Yvette Magnaghi (husband Ron) of Del Mar, one brother, Joe Batista (wife Patti) of Arroyo Grande, one sister, Mary Johnson of Sacramento, Laurie and Patrick Reiten of Thousand Oaks, Michele and Michael Downing of South Pasadena, eight grandchildren, Matthew, Marissa, Aubree, Morgan, Mallory, Thomas, Meredith, Miles, and many nephews and nieces. John was an avid race car driver in his younger days and enjoyed being a fan of Nascar. He cherished his coffee talks and political debates with his friends in the morning before work. Johnny "B" as he was affectionately referred to, gave so much to the Visalia community; emceeing races, sports competitions, fundraisers. He was a Chaplain and officiated many weddings as well as memorial services. He loved his community and they loved him back. Memorial services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 215 N. Locust Street, Visalia, California on Friday, June 14, 2013 at 2 p.m. A reception will be held at the church immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be sent to Hospice of Tulare County, 210 Cafe, Veterans fund, or a .

Published in Visalia Times-Delta and Tulare Adv-Register on June 11, 2013