James Patrick Pat Batchelor

James Patrick "Pat" Batchelor, age 84, passed from this life on February 26, 2012, following a brief illness. He was born in Pine Bluff, AR.

He leaves to honor his memory, his loving wife of 54 years, Eva Lois Batchelor of Lake Charles; sister, Catherine Tutt of Hot Springs Village, AR; nephews, Patrick C. and Gary Batchelor, and James Edward Tutt; nieces, Jayme Kay McConnell and Margie Ann Hopkins; sisters-in-law, Margaret Batchelor, Jean Stiel, Sherry Allen and Paula Viator; brothers-in-law, L.J. "Bud" Viator and Terry Viator and many treasured friends in Arkansas, New Mexico, Texas and Louisiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Edward Batchelor, Sr. and Flora Walling Batchelor and two older brothers, George Wallin and William Edward Batchelor, Jr.

Mr. Batchelor spent most of his life in ElDorado, AR, where he entered the Navy in 1945. Following his discharge, he attended Louisiana Tech in Ruston until 1951 when he was recalled by the Navy during the Korean War. Following this service stint, he transferred to Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge and in 1954 completed his degree in Petroleum Engineering. Upon graduation, he joined Stanolind Oil and Gas Company (later, Amoco Production Company) as a Junior Engineer. His career with Amoco (now, British Petroleum) was 32 years, having carried him to numerous positions in Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi. His final position with Amoco was District Manager of the Lake Charles Louisiana District. Soon following Mr. Batchelors retirement, newly elected Governor Buddy Roemer appointed him to the position of Commissioner of Conservation and Assistant Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources in 1988. As Commissioner, Mr. Batchelor regulated the Oil and Gas Compact Commission. He held this position until the end of Governor Roemer's term in 1992. Mr. Batchelor then returned to Lake Charles, to make it his retirement home.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Wednesday, February 29, 2012 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Father Keith Pellerin will officiate. Interment at a later date will be in Consolata Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday will be from 12:00 PM until the time of service in the funeral home.

Pallbearers for the service will be Jim Aldredge, Gary Batchelor, Marvin Self, Tom Poole, Jack Tharp and Eddie Tutt.

Honorary pallbearers will be Patrick C. Batchelor and Bud Viator.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Martin dePorres Building Fund, P.O. Box 4386, Lake Charles, LA 70606.