Justin "Jb" Edward Batko

Justin “JB” Edward Batko 37 of Paint Rock, Texas, beloved husband, father, son, and brother passed away unexpectedly on August 23, 2022, in Paint Rock, Tx. Justin was born August 21, 1985, in San Angelo, Tx.

A visitation for Justin will be held Monday, August 29th from 5 to 7 PM at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger, Texas. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 30th at 2 PM at Lange Funeral Home Chapel.

Justin graduated from San Angelo Central High School in 2004. He enjoyed playing ice hockey, as well as earning and being an Eagle Scout. After high school, he joined the Army Infantry, where he served two tours in Iraq. Often quoting that “Why is the sky blue?” answering “Because GOD loves the infantry.”

Returning to San Angelo, where he worked for Producers Livestock, reunited and married the love of his life, Shannon Thorpe. They have three daughters Kaylee, Raven, and Lucille “Lucy”. He was a very dedicated man when it came to his family and friends. He was quick to help others and even quicker to say “no I got it” when anyone offered to help him with any tasks he had. He was an amazing husband and father who always made sure everyone knew how much he loved his wife and how proud he was of his kids. After leaving Producers Livestock, his passion for animals as well as his daughters' interest in showing livestock helped create KRL Livestock. He was a very hard-working guy even when he chose to be a stay-at-home father to spend more time with his children and wife. He loved all sorts of animals, especially turtles and would stop to turn around to get them safely off the road. Although Justin was never in clubs such as 4H or FFA, he was very supportive of his children joining either or both clubs, excitingly looked forward to all of Kaylee’s rabbit shows throughout the years, and was excited to help Raven prepare to show her goats. He even looked forward to what animal Lucy would pick, asking her, and would grumble every time she said “Cow” but would smile and laugh if she said either goats or sheep.

He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ed and Doris Batko and maternal grandparents Marin and Polly Stoner; grandparents-in-law Pat and Ray Thorpe, Velton and Barbra Dunlap, and his mother-in-law Betty Thorpe.

He is survived by his wife Shannon, daughters Kaylee, Raven, and Lucille of Paint Rock, parents Dan and Diane of San Angelo, Texas, his sister Kendall Williams of Los Angelos, her husband Josh, and their three children as well as various aunts, uncles, and in-laws.