Obituary: Batson, Byron L.
He moved with his family to Spokane in 1925 and lived there continuously until his death on December 3, 2013.
After graduating from West Valley High School, Byron went to work at the Inland Empire Paper Co., where he worked until retiring as sales manager in 1977.
Byron enlisted in the US Navy in 1942, and served honorably during WWII aboard the USS Indiana in the South Pacific.
Later, he married Marjorie Morrow Loughlin and became dad to Dan and Mike Loughlin.
The birth of their daughter, Barbara, completed their family.
Byron and Marge raised their family in Millwood where they were active members of the community.
They were a well-regarded couple with good friends and a large extended family.
Byron and Marge were good neighbors to others and for many years they had the best possible neighbors in the families of Wilfred and Gertrude Flaherty and Francis and Bonnie Gelhaus.
Byron enjoyed lively conversations, dining out, reading nonfiction, gardening and traveling to California in the winter.
In recent years, Byron lived at Park Place Assisted Living where he celebrated his 100th birthday.
Many friends, family and fellow residents gathered to express admiration and affection for an honorable man who was truly part of America’s greatest generation.
Byron was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers James, Harald, Gannet and Richard, and sisters Alda Barnes, Jean Alexander and Evelyn Johnson.
His sister Helen Engle survived him by 20 days.
Byron is survived by his wife, Marjorie, his children: Dan (Jan) Loughlin of Boerne, TX, Mike (Sindi) Loughlin of Deer Park and Barbara Batson of Spokane, grandchildren: Heidi (Jerry) Gesinger, John Setchell, James (Amy) Loughlin, Jennifer (Rick) Stroh and Robert (Nicole) Loughlin, five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Byron’s family would like to thank the staff of Park Place, the lay ministers of Millwood Presbyterian, and Hospice of Spokane for their loving concern and care.
A memorial service will be held at Millwood Presbyterian Church, 3223 N. Marguerite Rd., at 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 19, 2014.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Spokane, KSPS TV, or Millwood Presbyterian Church.