George Andrew Batson

Born in Fresno, California and adopted by J. A. and Bessie Batson July 4, 1950, George grew up in Jonesboro, La. where he met his high school sweetheart and future wife, Gail. They celebrated their 55th Anniversary this year. He worked for Edmonds Funeral Home while in High School and summers. After graduation from Jonesboro-Hodge High School, he attended Mortuary Science College in Dallas until he was injured in a sandlot football game with fellow students and had to resign. George and Gail were married and moved to Shreveport where Gail was attending nursing school. They had a son, David Bret. In 1976, the family moved to Natchitoches, La. He held various positions throughout his lifetime, including with Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Shreveport, La. and being self-employed for several years, but never forgot his desire to serve others as a funeral director. Even though he never officially obtained that title, he finally did what he loved the remaining years before retirement. George retired from Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home where he had worked for 16 years as an assistant to the directors. He loved this profession and considered it his life’s work. In addition to his wife and son, he loved his daughter-in-law Mary Thorn Batson, granddaughters, Catherine and Anna, Natchitoches, grandson, Kyle and his wife Jackie, and his great-granddaughter, Theodora (Teddy), all in Austin, Texas, with all his heart. David, Lyn, David Paul, and Stephen Burke have been considered as family for more than 40 years. Many years of vacationing together, camping and fishing trips cemented the bonds of friendship and family. George’s health had been in decline for about 3 years or so and he had recent hospitalizations at NRMC and then Louisiana Extended Care Hospital on 4th floor. From the ER to Second Floor, to LAECH nurses and other staff, heartfelt appreciation and thanks are extended. Thank you, Drs. Otis and Meg Barnum, for your care over the years and to Dr. Dennis Britten and Dr. Chris Ingram. A special thanks to Cindy Fredieu, RN, Lisa Self, LPN, Jackie Bennett, RN, CJ Cedars, LPN, all the wonderful nurses, student nurses, nursing assistants, and Therapy staff on LAECH. Love to Melaine Wall, for all her friendship and support over the years and recently; though not here physically, she has always “been there” when she was needed. Also, we are grateful for the staff of Lagniappe Home Health for the great care after hip surgeries and other illnesses; and a special mention of Jerry Jones for his wonderful job with George’s ongoing physical therapy with an extra special touch of caring so needed in the world. And of course, we are very appreciative of the excellent care from Hospice of Natchitoches. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Dementia Society of America, Alzheimer’s Association, or your favorite charity. A memorial service to honor his life will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, October 6, 2022 at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1 pm until service time on the 6th at Blanchard-St. Denis.