Birt Austin Batson, age 95, a native of Oilton, Oklahoma, and resident of Tulsa, passed away late in the evening on Thursday, November 17, 2022 at his home.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Palmer Marler Funeral Home in Cushing, Oklahoma.

Birt is survived by his wife, Aileen of Tulsa, Oklahoma and their five children Mary Brueggen and husband Jim, Rick Batson and wife Linda, Ruth Carpenter, Tim Batson and wife Marla, and Debbie Copeland and husband Burt; Rick's first wife Janet Jindra, and Ruth's previous husband Marty Carpenter.  Other survivors include his brother, Don Batson, and wife Mary; his sister, Linda Wolfe; his brother Eldon Batson's wife Frances; his sister Dixie Abel's husband Jerry.

Birt is also survived by many grandchildren including Tracy Keeter and husband Thomas, Amy Ford's husband Steve Ford, Stephanie Diaz and husband Tommy,

Aaron Batson and wife Lisa, Jason Batson and wife Traci, Courtney Piotrowski and husband Mason, Jourdan Batson, Burton Copeland, and McKaylee Carpenter.  He also leaves several great grandchildren including Malachi Keeter, Vincent Keeter, Ian Ford, Samantha  (Sammi) Ford, Brittany, Anthony, and Isabel (Izzie) Diaz, Jaxon, Sydney, Scott, and Samuel Batson, and Reid and Logan Batson.

He is also survived by many nephews and nieces, including DeLos and Clark Batson, Chris, Michael, and Derek Sparks, Lindell and Ryan Forbes, Ted Whitehead, Orren Lochary, Gregg and Rev. Jerry Lee Ausbrook, Jeannie Lou Buster, Carlotta Kirkpatrick, and Barbara Lochary.  He also leaves numerous great nephews and nieces, and great- great nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry Harvey Batson and Esther Ann (Casto) Batson; brothers, Harry Lester Batson, Eldon Ray Batson; sisters, Dixie Abel, and Laquita Althea Batson Lomenick and husband Carl; aunt, Verda Pierce; nephews, Tabb Forbes, Charles Leon Whitehead, David Ray Lomenick; niece, Carlotta Sampson; and granddaughter, Amy Ford.

Birt began working for RC bottling in Oklahoma at the age of 15.  He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as store-clerk aboard the USS LCS(L)(3) #9.  Upon return he married Aileen Whitehead who rode a train from Olive, Oklahoma to meet him where they were married by the Justice of the Peace in Portland, Oregon on April 19, 1946.  After returning to Oklahoma, Birt worked for Texaco starting as a roustabout who worked his way upward through hard work, long hours, sleep deprivation, loyalty, and dedication.

Birt and Aileen lived about 7 years in Sumatra, Indonesia where he worked for Caltex Petroleum during the 1970s with some of their younger children.  He survived Malaria early on in his career in Indonesia.  There he produced many wells and helped create the roads to and from oil wells in parts of Sumatra, Indonesia.  During his life they moved from settled home to new home in Oklahoma and Indonesia as Birt was re-located with his work for Texaco and Caltex multiple times sometimes at a moment's notice.  Upon returning to Oklahoma in 1977 they moved first to Ardmore, then Tulsa before Birt retired from Texaco as a supervisor over production in several states.  After the Persian Gulf War Birt worked as a contractor to help get the damaged oil wells back into production in the Middle East before returning back to retired life in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Retirement meant he got some time for wood-working, a little boating, and fishing.  Later he kept up with the stock market and the news channels, kept up with knowing how to use a computer, printer, and iPhone for many years.  He also liked a good movie, loved ice cream, Cadbury chocolate bars, Snickers ice cream bars, Klondike bars, Aileen's chicken and noodles, and loved taking care of their dog.

We will miss his stories and humor.  He worked very hard for his employers and provided well for his family.  In his last years he has kept prayer with Jesus a growing, significant part of his life.

Special thanks to all the sitters, nurses, and staff who helped him, the doctors and staff at Springer Clinic, University Village Retirement Community, and Saint Francis Hospital, and Hospice for the assistance and support received.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, November 21 ^st , at the Highland Cemetery in Oilton, Oklahoma, under the tent at Birt's gravesite.