FAYETTEVILLE — Donald Wayne Batson,

of Fayetteville, passed away on Monday, January 2, 2023, at 80 years old. He was born on August 6, 1942, in Oilton, Okla., to Harry and Esther (Casto) Batson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his stepson Coylee Clark, brothers Birt Batson and Eldon Batson, and sisters Laquita Lomenick and Dixie Abel.

Don was a photographer and librarian for the University of Arkansas Library from more than 30 years. He loved nature and landscapes. He loved travelling to his sister Laquita’s house in Utah, where he would explore the canyon lands and take pictures of the scenery. He loved to take care of his yard and spend time outdoors. You could often find Don walking circles around the neighborhood where he lived. He frequently would ride his bicycle across town, from home to the UofA Library for work, no matter what the weather looked like. Over the years, Don traveled with Mary to every continental United States, except for two. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Don is survived by his wife Mary; stepdaughter Angeedel Clark; Grandchildren Eric Clark and his wife Charla, Darla Ellis, Jessica (Bowen) Netherton and her husband Rob, and Daniel Bowen and his wife Jessica Kay; great-grandchildren Jordan Cash and her husband Eli, Noah Warren, Cameron Clark, Emalee Vazquez, Addy Litterell, Kaytlen Colter, McKenna Clark, Evie Netherton, Jacob Clark, and Elijah Netherton; eight great- great- grandchildren; sister Linda Wolfe; sister-inlaw Loudel Winkles and her husband Carlton; and many other family members, nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

A graveside service will take place on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville.

Condolences may be given online at www.bernafuneralhomes.com