Willie J. Batiste

Willie Joseph Batiste, born February 23, 1939, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, passed away on January 6, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas, at the age of 86.

Willie attended Sacred Heart High School and McNeese State University before retiring as an IT Technician with Eastman Kodak in San Francisco, California. He was a devoted member of Holy Savior Catholic Church in Wichita, where he served on the Food Pantry Committee and was an active member of the Knights of St. Peter Claver.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Willie loved basketball and played during his high school years. He found great joy in attending sporting events for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, cheering them on in basketball, football, track, and volleyball.

Willie is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, JoAnne Batiste; his son Darryl Batiste (DaNita); and daughters Jennifer Holland (Kevin), Kim Bufford (Norvell), and Daphanie Pointer (Kevin). He is also cherished by his grandchildren Adrian Batiste, Jason Bufford, Jeremy Bufford, Allie Bufford, Darrian Batiste, Darvin Batiste, Kiana Baugher, Kailee Pointer, and Kevin Pointer Jr.; and great-grandchildren Amare Batiste, Paisley Batiste, Ace Batiste, Ava Batiste, JaRelle Bufford, Jayla Bufford, Kayla Bufford, and Khloe Anderson. In addition, he leaves behind a host of special nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents Curtis and Grace M. Batiste; sons Derrick Batiste and Jeff Baugher; daughter Gwendolyn Batiste; great-granddaughter NyaLah Pointer; and sister Wanda Hundley.

The recitation of the Holy Rosary will take place at Holy Savior Catholic Church, located at 3000 E. 13th St. N., Wichita, Kansas 67214, on January 16, 2026, at 6:00 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Holy Savior Catholic Church, located at 3000 E. 13th St. N., Wichita, Kansas 67214 on January 17, 2026, at 11:00 am

The committal service will follow at Ascension Cemetery, located at 7200 E 45th St N, Bel Aire, Kansas 67226.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Savior Catholic Church, 3000 E 13th St. N, Wichita, Kansas 67214, or through their website at https://holy-savior.org/. (c/o Holy Family Statue)