Kenneth Batson

Kenneth Batson was born Friday, January 2, 1942, in McAlester, Oklahoma Pittsburg County. He was the eleventh of twelve children born to John E. and Amber Theora Batson. He attended Catholic school through the 8th grade. His sense of humor got him in BIG trouble when he put salt in the sugar container in the lunchroom. The nuns did not think his sense of humor was funny. After 8th grade he attended L’ouverture High school where he played football and was on the debate team. He graduated Valedictorian of his class. He continued his education at University of Oklahoma A &M, graduating with an Associate Degree in Chemistry. Ken had many unique abilities. He was called a Civil Rights worker because he was instrumental in helping to implement integration in McAlester. In 1963 he joined the United States Air Force and served in Special Forces during the Vietnam War era which gave him the opportunity to travel the world. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Air Force, he relocated to Denver where he attended and graduated with a bachelor’s Degree in accounting from Metro State College. Ken was employed as a Special Agent CID with the U.S. Treasury Department. He had an amazing career and loved his job. Ken never had a loss for words. He was a human dictionary, thesaurus, reference book and the list goes on. You name it, that’s what he was—not to mention a great debater and more times than not, he won. In 1967, he met Marie Little. After his tour in Vietnam they were married September 5, 1970 and began to build their life and family. When asked why he married Marie, he jokingly said, “I was getting old and got tired of running,” but Marie said, “he finally found the perfect girl.” Ken and Marie loved their family. Every Thanksgiving they would graciously open their home to friends and family for the best Thanksgiving meal on this side of the Mayflower! To this day, everyone recalls the warm family feasts, good food, fellowship and fun and let’s not forget those great sweet potato pies. Ken’s brothers and sisters recall their weekly “Meeting Place” Saturday morning get togethers at Amber’s (Sis) house. Donald was named the chairman of the board and Sis complained about them using up all the cream and sugar in their coffee. Inquiring minds might want to know what happened at the “Meeting Place.” As the saying goes, “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” The same goes for the “Meeting Place.” No family is complete without children. Ken and Marie decided to expand their family and that’s where the fun really began. Stephanie and Amber were the love of their lives. Ken loved spoiling his girls and he certainly did. He did what most dads would dare to do— play house with Barbie and Ken dolls. Imagine that. The girls recall spending time with their dad watching movies, Sesame Street and Barney, eating popcorn and talking stuff. We all know when the children grow up, the grandchildren take their place. Ken was so proud to have grandchildren and especially grandsons since he had 2 daughters. All the grands loved their “Papa.” They all had a very special place in his heart but there was one that acted as his “special agent.” Miles and his Papa were ride or die buddies. Ricky, Micah and Makai, were avid basketball players. Ken would attend their games and he was a one-man cheering section. You could hear him across the gym calling the shots. There wasn’t anything Ken would not do for his grandchildren—and they knew it. Ken had many hobbies and interests. Among them, fishing, hunting, sports, sports and sports; camping, golf, reading, telling stories and so much more. He spoke Japanese fluently and would interpret on various occasions. The family jokingly called Ken a know it all and that was probably true. But one thing about it, if he knew something or told you something, you could take it to the bank. If he didn’t know, he would research it and get the answer. He could fix anything and everything, televisions, cars, lawnmowers and other essentials. Marie said, “Even if it wasn’t broke, he would break it, just to fix it.” He was humble and did not flaunt his knowledge unless the opportunity presented itself. Every man has a vice and if you knew Ken then you would know what his was his RV. He and his RV were pretty much inseparable. Marie said that was her competition. His romance with his RV was what kept him going. They took many trips in the RV. Even when he got to the point where he couldn’t drive it, he would sit in it and watch television, sleep in it and hang out with the other RV buddies “the fixers,” Lonnie, Arnell and Michael. It was his place of solitude. Ken lived a life of love and respect. He was a “Friday’s Child,” full of love and giving. Aside from the genuine love he had for his family, he had a greater love for the Lord. He was a Bible scholar and enjoyed preaching. He was often asked by the Pastor to preach. He loved talking about the Bible and attending church. He was a member of Light of the World Praise and Miracle Church. Ken was a hard worker and good provider. There are many special memories of him that we treasure in our hearts. Hold them dear and cherish the time you had with him. Ken was preceded in death by his parents and seven brothers and sisters. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Marie Little Batson; two daughters, Stephanie (Mark) Brooks and Amber Batson, both of Colorado; two sisters, Louise (Polly) Karama and Amber Haley, both of Colorado; three brothers, Al Batson and one sister-in-law Linda Batson, both of California; Bill (Prestina) Batson and Donald (Roberta) Batson, all of Colorado. Eight grandchildren, Nia (Devettrius) Hayes, Jr., Hawaii; Micah, Ricardo, Jr., Miles, Selah, Sarai, Makai and Keziah, all of Colorado; and Ken was blessed to see the newest member of the family, his first great grandchild, Eli David. He will also be remembered by a host of nieces, nephews and many friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell - 6601 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO
Visitation: 7/24/2018 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 7/25/2018 at 11:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 7/25/2018 at 2:30 PM - Ft. Logan National Cemetery - 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO
Family Gathering: 7/25/2018 at 3:30 PM - Light of the World Praise and Miracle Church - 1455 Boston Street Aurora, Colorado