Johnny Batson of Newark, Arkansas, departed this life on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the age of 80. He was born November 15, 1943, in Batesville, the son of John Batson and Medrith Montine (Laster) Barnes.
Mr. Batson was a graduate of McGhee High School. He married Miss Shirley Westerman on February 7, 1975, and together they built a wonderful life and raised their family. He spent his life working with his hands as a carpenter until his retirement. Mr. Batson was a member of Newark First Baptist Church.
Mr. Batson was an avid sports fan and loved cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs, Arkansas Razorbacks, and Los Angeles Lakers. He enjoyed tinkering with everything and gardening. Mr. Batson was a selfless man and was always lending a helping hand to others. Mr. Batson’s greatest joy was his family. He loved following his children and grandchildren to all of their activities.
Mr. Batson is preceded in death by two brothers, Scottie Laster and Finis Barnes; his mother and stepfather, Medrith Montine (Laster) Barnes and Robert “Colton” Barnes, Sr.; and his father, John Batson.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Shirley (Westerman) Batson, of the home; his son, Mike Batson and wife, Stephanie, of Beebe; two daughters, Kristie Parks and husband, Lane, and Tonya Gipson and husband, Trent, all of Newark; two brothers, David Barnes, Jr. and wife, Barbara, of Charlotte and Kendall Batson and wife, Martha, of Sulphur Rock; his sisters, Donna Pectol and husband, Ernie, of Magness and Jo Bray of Mount Pleasant; twelve grandchildren, Megan McClain and husband, Dylan, Morgan Galloway, Robbie Parks, Ryan Parks, Tyler Batson and wife, Summer, Allie Batson, Brandon Snelson and wife, Diana, Jackson Snelson, Laura Snelson, Laura Snelson, Courtney Cummings, Tyce Gipson, and Camdyn Gipson; eight great-grandchildren, Carson, Lilly, Gray, Kase, Karter, Taylor, Owen, and Hadley; many nieces and nephews; and a lifetime of friends.
Friends may visit at Newark First Baptist Church on Saturday, November 16, 2024, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m., with Bro. Bill Goodwin officiating. Interment will be in Blue Springs Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Robbie Parks, Ryan Parks, Tyce Gipson, Tyler Batson, Gregory Pectol, and Dylan McClain. Honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, Dr. Ron Bates, and the staff of White River Oncology.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society at P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newark Funeral Home.
