Burl Emeran LaBatte Sr.

Burl was born on March 28, 1947, at the old Cheyenne River Sioux Agency, South Dakota, to Florence Agnes Lafferty LaBatte and Sidney Emeran LaBatte. He was their 3rd child, but first son. Six other siblings were born after that. He passed on July 30, 2026, in Jackson, MS. He was 79 years old.

Burl was educated at and graduated from one of the Episcopal Sponsored Boarding Schools in South Dakota. Shortly after graduating, he enlisted in the US Navy where he served during the time of the Vietnam war aboard the USS Hancock. His rate and rank were E4 Machinist Mate when he received a three-month early out and honorable discharge to attend college in Oakland, California. He had served for 3 years and 9 months. The knowledge and experience he received in the Navy enabled him to obtain good jobs as a Civilian. He worked in one of the oil fields in Richmond, CA; taught as an instructor at a Technical Machinist class at Golden Triangle, Columbus/Starkville, MS and later worked as an engineer at Rival Manufacturing in Brandon, MS.

Burl was a hard worker, and he also knew how to enjoy life. He loved to travel, to see the United States and his family in South Dakota and Minnesota. He was a good storyteller and knew how to make people laugh.

In this day and age, he would probably be called an influencer, because he was able to communicate with people in all walks of life, and was always ready to offer a word of wisdom. He was proud of his Sioux heritage, and he instilled that pride in the 5 children that called him Dad.

Burl is survived by 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren, two sisters as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, a son, a grandson and a recently departed Soulmate.

He will be greatly missed by all those that loved him.

His family wishes to thank the members of the Staff at Clinton Health Care for his good care over the last several months.