Metairie, LA - Albert Gary Batten, of Metairie, Louisiana, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on April 21, 2026 at the age of 89.

Eldest son of the late Albert J. Batten & Keturah Batten of Paragould, Arkansas (of Batten's Donuts), beloved husband of Sonya, father to Jodi & Nicole (Todd), brother to Karen Planchard (Greg), Robert Batten (Jean), and Rick Batten (Sandy), grandfather to Sabrina, Reed, and Miles, and uncle to Chris and Brent. Adored for the last 37 years by his stepchildren David Lopp (Leslie), Aleece Gottfried (Harry), the late Aaron Lopp, also step-grandchildren Shayna, Lindsay, and Rachel.

Gary retired at the ripe young age of 80 from Burns & Wilcox, after spending his entire career building highly successful businesses in the insurance industry. However, if you knew Gary, you'd know that over his esteemed 60-year career the things he built that he was most proud of were his relationships. Gary was the quintessential active listener, always devoting time to mentor the next generation, keenly skilled at recognizing talent and supporting people to achieve their goals. Among his colleagues, he was known for his optimism, integrity, and his companionship with others in the business. Both personally and professionally, he touched and changed so many lives. Too many to count.

Working at a variety of jobs to put himself through college, Gary started at Ouachita Baptist University and graduated from Arkansas State University. His first insurance job brought him to Texas, but ultimately, Louisiana became home, spending the last 50 years there as an industry leader. Throughout his career, he prioritized giving back to his field as president of the 1752 Club and the Deep South Chapter of the CPCU Society and through his work with the Casualty and Surety Society of New Orleans, the Professional Insurance Agents of Louisiana, and the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Louisiana.

Gary always made time for his daily visits to the Heritage Health Club and golf at Chateau Country Club. His Monday ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) lunches with dear friends were sacred to him. Gary was so grateful his six uncles survived World War II, so he became a charter member of the New Orleans WWII Museum. A theater chair in the museum will be dedicated in memory of Gary and in honor of the brave servicemen in his family. Anyone wishing to make a donation can support that cause in his name.

The family would like to especially thank "Dr. J", Georgia and the Fresenius Kidney Center for their amazing support over the past 2.5 years. And sincere gratitude to Dr. Monty Glorioso for his decades of loving care.

A private, family graveside service was held on April 24 at Hebrew Rest Cemetery No. 3.

To view and sign the family online guestbook and share your memories of Gary, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com