Travis Weston Batchelor

Travis Weston "Tab" Batchelor, 85, of Lake Charles went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 in his son's residence in LeBleu Settlement.

Mr. Batchelor was born on February 28, 1926 in Haleyville, AL. He fought in the Philippine Theatre during World War II, receiving decorations for his valiant service there. Mr. Batchelor worked at Cities Service Oil Refinery for 38 years as an operator. He was a local businessman, being the founder and owner of Tab's Texaco, Tab's Gulf and Tab's Wrecker Service. Mr. Batchelor was a 32nd Degree Mason and was a member of the Iowa Masonic Lodge #451.

Travis was a hard-working man who had a deep love for his family and country. Always having a heart for the down-trodden and unfortunate, he helped many people work their way through difficulties and hardships. He was an American patriot, always insistent upon purchasing American-made products.

A great amount of appreciation is expressed by the family to all the love-filled care givers who dedicated their time and efforts toward making his last days as comfortable as possible.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Janet Larene Shell; five sons, Travis Ronald, Rev. Ricky James, Jerry Michael, Randy Wayne, and Mark Weston Batchelor; fifteen grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Francis Craig and Charlene Batchelor Smith; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nila June Mays Batchelor; his parents, John Wesley and Eva Weehunt Batchelor; two sisters, Helen Batchelor Workman and Marie Batchelor Garner; and two brothers, Jimmy and Eugene Batchelor.

Funeral services along with a Masonic Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 15, 2011 in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. His son, Rev. Ricky J. Batchelor will officiate. Burial will follow in Prien Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will begin on Saturday at 9:00 AM until the start of the service.