Donald B. Batson

Donald B. Batson passed away quietly on February 24, 2024 at the age of 93. Born to Thomas Donald Batson and Gerturde (Wagner) Batson on April 16, 1930, in Pontiac, Michigan, Don enjoyed a long and very full life. Growing up in Detroit Michigan, Don was an active and rambunctious child. At the age of 14, he began schooling at Onarga Military Academy in Illinois and always recounted the relationships developed there as lifelong friendships. He then attended West Point Military Academy from 1951 to 1953, being honorably discharged for medical reasons. Upon returning to Detroit, he began attending Wayne State University and fell in love with his wife of 66 year, Anna Lee (Lynch) Batson. Upon marriage, Don began work in the mailroom of General Motors and rose through the ranks in the Market Research Department, eventually retiring as a director in the market research division.

Don and Anna Lee enjoyed a very loving and rich married life, traveling often and sharing a love for theater, art, music and friends. They moved to Grosse Ile in the spring of 1971 where they raised their two children and they continued to live on the island for the remainder of their lives, engaging and supporting island life and activities. Don is survived by a son, Samuel Batson (Kay Batson), a daughter Carol (Batson) Gray (Kevin Gray). He is also survived by two grandchildren, Matthew Batson and Megan Batson who were absolutely adored and with whom they enjoyed warm, loving relationships. Don is preceded in death by his parents Gertrude (Wagner) Batson and T. Donald Batson, and his infant daughter, Constance Rachel.