Eugene Edwin Batie

Eugene Edwin Batie, 82, passed away on Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at 1:00 a.m. at the Odessa Hospice House.

The family invites relatives and friends to a celebration of life service at First Baptist Church, Odessa, Texas at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 12, 2012, followed by a Graveside Service at 4:00 p.m. at the Monahans Cemetary. Viewing will be at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home Friday, May 11, from 7-9 p.m. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, Odessa, Texas.

Eugene was born at Lamesa, Texas on July 20, 1929 into a loving Christian home. He and his family moved to Artesia, New Mexico where he grew up and excelled in many ways. Probably most known for his accomplishments in football, basketball, track and enjoyed playing the baritone.

It was in Artesia that he met his life long love and companion Pat Watson. They have been known by many as the most compatible, loving, Christian example of marriage ever seen. They recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on April 17th.

Eugene is well remembered for being one of the most industrious entrepreneurs. In his early years he and his family worked jointly owning grocery stores, “Batie’s Foodway” spread over a large area of New Mexico with stores in Artesia, Roswell, Carlsbad, Albuquerque, Alamogordo and Grants as well as stores in Colorado, Pagosa Springs and Rocky Ford. Eugene was very instrumental in the success of these stores. The Batie's are known to have been the first to introduce the self service meat concept in New Mexico. Over the years mingled with the grocery store business, Eugene loved the outdoors, farming and ranching. Ranches in Pagosa Springs and Leadville, Colorado will always hold fond memories for the Batie family. Many would agree with his mother compared him to the “Good Shepherd” due to his care and compassion for his livestock. He raised a number of species of animals, always in a big commercial fashion. He raised chinchillas, quarter horses and thoroughbreds, even took them on race-horse circuits, exotic chickens, cattle, swine, boar goats, greyhounds, birds, but most known for “Batie’s Suffolk Sheep” in Tucumcari, New Mexico (40 years) attaining many awards including several National Champions.

Eugene and Pat have made so many friends and impacted lives of countless individuals. Eugene’s love and concern of family has been a tremendous example. Their steady and strong faith in our Lord and Savior has guided them through good and difficult times.

Recent years have been spent fighting cancer. Eugene and Pat’s devotion to each other has touched us all. Because of Eugene’s personal trust and faith in Christ we know where he is today. He is walking the streets of gold with a glorious new body awaiting each of us who in the same faith will follow. He is enjoying the company of his parents, Warren and Ruby Batie, brother, Elvis Batie and nephew, Don Allen Jones.

Those who are left to cherish his love and memory are: wife, Pat Batie, son, Dr. Rodney Batie / wife, Cindy of Springfield, OH; daughter, Janet Smith / husband, Ron of Abilene, TX. Brother, Don Batie / Merle, Chico, CA; Sister, Laverne Jones / Bob, Grants, NM. 6 grandchildren: Monty White / Breanna of Austin, TX; Mary Louise Fuentes of Cincinnati, OH; Matthew Batie / Elizabeth of Cincinnati, OH; Jory White of Austin, TX; Brad White / Krystal of Odessa, TX; Melissa Batie of Springfield, OH. 6 great-grandchildren: Jacob Fuentes, Sofia Fuentes, Ethan White, Estella Fuentes, William Batie and Lucas Batie. Also surviving are numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Eugene has “fought the good fight” and the impact on all of our lives will be forever.