Pastor Donald Batson

Donald R. Batson, a dedicated Custodian for the Denver Public Schools, an enterprising entrepreneur who owned a janitorial service, and a beloved member of the community, passed away on May , 2024 in Aurora, Colorado.

Born on November 3, 1938, in McAlester, Oklahoma, Donald led a remarkable life filled with love and passion. He received his formal education in the McAlister Public Schools and proudly graduated from L'Ouverture High School in 1956. Throughout his life, Donald had a deep love for golf and enjoyed playing tournaments with his close friends Brother Brad Murphy, Wilbert Wilson, and Brother Petis - affectionately known as "The Goats."

In his early years of marriage to Vernell Schoate in December 1956 in McAlester, Oklahoma, Donald's devotion was evident. Together they raised five children and shared a love that began in Elementary School. Later in 1968, he married Beverly Green in Denver, Colorado. Their union lasted 46 years until Beverly's passing - she remained the love of his life.

Donald's career journey was diverse as he transitioned from being a Custodian to an entrepreneur successfully owning a janitorial service. His proudest accomplishments included accepting Christ at an early age and flourishing spiritually through various roles within the church community. He was ordained as a Deacon at Union Baptist Church under Pastor A.L. Bowman's guidance and later ordained as a Minister.

Not only did Donald excel professionally and spiritually but also personally. He cherished memories of fishing with his brother Alfred Batson and playing football with his sister Amber Haley Batson during their youth. His interests extended to playing golf during high school - a passion that stayed with him throughout his life.

Donald leaves behind cherished memories for his surviving family including his wife Roberta Smith Batson, daughter Lynn Batson - Muwwakkil; son Donald R. Baton Jr.; daughter Deborah D. Batson - Folson; granddaughters Tequues Batson and Jessica Batson; grandsons Troy Batson and Trenton Batson; 19 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; along with numerous relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Amber T. Batson; first wife Vernell Schoate Batson; second wife Beverly Green Batson; granddaughter Berverluyn Batson.

Services to commemorate Donald's impactful life will be held at the Pipkin Braswell Funeral Home & Cremation for visitation on June 14th followed by the Celebration of Life service at Friendship Baptist Church of Christ Jesus on June 15th, concluding with interment at Olinger Eastlawn Cemetery.

Donald R. Batson will be remembered not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his unwavering faith, love for family, and joyous spirit that touched the lives of all who knew him. May he rest in peace knowing he has left behind a legacy that will endure through the memories shared by those he held dear.