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Lionel Batiste Obituary
Band leader Benny Jones Sr. says Batiste was ill about a month before his death on Sunday. He says funeral arrangements are incomplete.
Jones says Batiste had been with his band since it was formed in 1995, but had played bass drum since childhood.
Clarinetist Michael White says Batiste, known as "Uncle Lionel," used his drum to stay afloat in the floods after Hurricane Katrina.
The "Treme 2012" poster is a photograph of Batiste. Toni Rice of the Multicultural Tourism Network says the group is donating part of poster sales to help with Batiste's medical and funeral costs.
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
64 Entries
June 7, 2014
I love you daddy, tell my mama hello. I miss you both so much. Not a day goes by without you two on my mind. I burn this candle in memory of you & her... your best birthday gift ever ME your dtr Karen
Allison N.
June 7, 2013
I had the pleasure of meeting Uncle Lionel on a trip to New Orleans in 2010. I was going through a very difficult time and felt very alone, and I had no friends in the city. I stopped into a little cafe in the French Quarter and there he was, singing away with a jazz band. I was sitting at a table by myself and he approached me and asked me for a dance. I will never forget his great dance moves (which were much better than mine!) and the beautiful personality he showed me that night. He was truly a special man and I feel so blessed to have met him. He is truly the embodiment of a magical and unique personality. Rest in peace, Uncle Lionel! You made the world a much more beautiful place.
Laura
August 21, 2012
I am so sorry for your loss.He is healing the broken hearted ones,and is binding up there painful spots. PSALS 147:3
How you can show support
James&Merlyn Belton
July 20, 2012
Gone but never ever forgotten.RIP Mr. Baptiste we will miss you.
ROOSEVELT WEBB
July 20, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
DEMARVA DALCOUR
July 20, 2012
YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED!
Angel Scott
July 17, 2012
My deepest condolescences to the Batiste family. I'm sure Uncle Lionel didn't know my name, but he greeted me with such warmth each time I encountered him that it didn't matter. I loved him and will miss him dearly.
Epitome of grace and style
In which talent abounds
Gentle man
Dressed to the nines
Beating heartfelt sound
Bringing joy carefree
Now with angels
Singing blessedly
Susan
July 14, 2012
My deepest condolences to the Batiste family. Lionel and the Treme Brass Band made my son's NOLA wedding one of the most memorable experiences of a lifetime. May your own memories comfort you at this difficult time.
GREGORY GIBSON
July 14, 2012
I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE WORDS OF WISDOM THAT HE PRESENTED TO ME AND CASUAL CONVERSATIONS WE HAD ALWAYS WAS WORDS OF ADVICE AND ENCOURAGEMENT I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THOSE TIMES RIP UNC LOVE ALWAYS
Craig Collins
July 13, 2012
RIP Uncle Lionel .you were an inspiration and a genuine gentleman. Condolences to all of the family. Craig CC Collins, Crescent City Connection band.
July 13, 2012
To the Batiste family you have our deepest sympathy. May God bless you. The Cross Family,New Orleans,La
Demian Roberts
July 13, 2012
There are so very few who are loved by so many. Lionel Batiste was to New Orleans and many places across the globe everyone's favorite Uncle. He was a friend to me and to all who met him. He is a great soul.
Bishop Randy "Treme" Mitchell
July 13, 2012
The Treme is one huge teardrop our Uncle Lionel has gone home to join The Heavenly Brass Band until that day.You gave it your all-you ran well and gave us and the world your best. Treme will miss you forever. Amen
moogie
July 13, 2012
A true gentleman and spirit, will miss seeing you on Frenchman St...but you will be with us..
Cameron Brown
July 12, 2012
God rest his soul...and bless the family.
Ervin Tate
July 12, 2012
You will be greatly missed by family and friends. I know you're playing music in Heaven, in the Heavenly band. It is not the time to say good-bye, so I'll just say...See Ya Later...
Loretta Batiste
July 12, 2012
May God in his infinite power sustain the Batiste family during this time. Truly, Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal."Casting all of your care upon Him, for he careth for you. May God forever keep each of you in his tender and loving care.
Loretta Batiste and LaTia Batiste
Houma, Louisiana
Jennifer Jones /Grand Marshal
July 11, 2012
Dear Uncle,
You will always be my loving mentor.It was a joy,dancing, parading,talking,performing,
traveling and rambling with you. You "Got It",You "Had It" and You definitely
"Brought It" ! THANK YOU!
Love eternally, Jennifer Jones
Dixie La Pierre
July 11, 2012
Miss you already. Your heart beat the soul of New Orleans' pulse. Being around you was being connected to the Crescent Lady herself.
You are cherished, Ma Cher!
Jo Divelbess
July 11, 2012
Thanks for your stories,laughter and kindness. A true gentleman,class act and a pleasure to be with. I always enjoyed drinking a cold beer with you. RIP uncle.
John and Vera powers
July 11, 2012
the spirit of new orleans culture irreplacable. We pray for his family. we'll meet again
Jacqueline Gavins
July 11, 2012
May God stengthen the family at a very sad time. I can't imagine the "Treme Brass Band" coming down the street without him. He will be missed.
Theresa Peel
July 10, 2012
It was such an honor meeting and getting to hang out with Mr. Baptiste in October at the Spotted Cat . He made our New Orleans trip amazing. I'm blessed to have met him.
K Doe Baby Doll ~Denise Trepagnier
July 10, 2012
MAY GOD'S LOVE AND PEACE FOLLOW YOUR FAMILY BRINGING STRENGTH TO ENSURE A BETTER TOMORROW. REST IN PEACE UNCLE LIONEL.
UNCLE LIONEL
Denise Trepagnier
July 10, 2012
Brian L
July 10, 2012
You were quite simply the coolest and the best. The city will not be the same without you.
My condolences to the family.
Chief Drew Justin
July 10, 2012
KING OF THE TREME UNCLE LIONEL BATISTE: WE ARE, EACH OF US, ANGELS WITH ONE WING. WE CAN ONLY FLY BY EMBRACING EACH OTHER. R. I. P. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. CHIEF ANDREW JUSTIN, WILD TREME BLACK INDIAN 6th WARD UNDER ONE SUN 4 CORNERS OF THE EARTH. WE LOVE YOU.
AUDREY WILLIAMS
July 10, 2012
MY CONDOLENCES GOES OUT TO UNCLE LIONEL'S FAMILY, JUST REMEMBER HE'S IN A BETTER PLACE ( HEAVEN ) DOING WHAT HE DO ... PLAYING HIS BASS DRUM.MISSING HIM ALREADY . FROM: AUDRA ( MS. BABY ) & BJ & FAMILY
Mumbuzz
July 10, 2012
Thank you Mr. Lionel Batiste for the contribution you have made to music, another blues singer called home, may your soul rest in peace and may your family and friends be comforted knowing that your music will never die. You will be missed but we will never forget. Enjoy the new band you are playing for now!
A Reed
July 10, 2012
I give my sympathies to the Batiste family. Knowing that we can turn to God as a refuge during times of distress can bring a measure of peace and comfort. Psalm 46:1
July 10, 2012
My sincere condolences to the family and friends for your loss. Trust in God and find comfort in His Word to get you through. - Rev. 31:3,4
Harvey williams
July 9, 2012
It a good and a life that i have down hear of the earth this is my time to walk the road this road.of life see now you can see me playing my music.in that heavely band.so you can see me.let go down and have fun with the good lord.
Ruth Reed
July 9, 2012
My condolences to the Lionel Batiste family, there is hope for our dead love ones in the near future we can look to see them in the near future, Paslm 90:10 and Act 24:15.
Jean & Chuck
July 9, 2012
You have joined the heavenly band!
July 9, 2012
God be with you on your journey and he'll meet you there with the Heavenly Band!
Anita
July 9, 2012
I would like to express my condolence to the family and friends of Lionel. Just reading the obituary i feel as if i have known this person all my life. Lionel lived a full life.To have lived to be eighty or more is with a special mightiness.May the hearer of prayers comfort you.
Annette
July 9, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Liza Rhodes-Reese
July 9, 2012
Dear Lionel, we will miss your music and your good southern cheer - reside witht he Angels now our friend - God awaits you
July 9, 2012
My condolences to the family. May your fond memories bring you peace as well as the comfort that our heavenly father gives.
Victoria Valdez
July 9, 2012
Circle of Life continues'
Music is a Venue of many
A even tone
Admired with
joy love Gospel..
Condolences for
LionelBatiste
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
July 9, 2012
May god bless his soul.To the Family joy comes in the morning. Ronald Torregano .Va. Beach.VA.
July 9, 2012
My condolences to the family. May you find comfort in god's word the bible.
July 9, 2012
To the family of Lionel Batiste may God give you comfort and peace by means of prayer - Philipians 4:6,7. My deepest sympathy
July 9, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the Batiste family during your time of grief...Psalm 46:1...God is for us a refuge and strength, A help that is readily to be found during difficult times...May God provide you with peace and comfort to endure the days ahead.
The Long and Williams Family
July 9, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Newton Collier
July 9, 2012
May he rest in peace.
Henryk Zaleski
July 9, 2012
Rest in eternal peace.
Pauline Batiste Talley
July 9, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
michelle plakas-kaiser
July 9, 2012
rip
July 9, 2012
To the the family of Lionel Batiste - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
Jeanie Sundland
July 8, 2012
Thank you for your gift shared so generously. Play on with the those who are tuning up with you on the other side. Peace and Love with your family and friends.
July 8, 2012
Dear Batiste family,
As the days go by, may the God of comfort provide a measure of peace and comfort to you during this difficult time. Philippians 4:7
ELLIOT CAPPIE
July 8, 2012
OUR PLAYEROURWITH YOU
ELLLIOT HERBET AND AMC
July 8, 2012
I had the privilege of producing some memorable concerts for TREME' in the 1990's ... Thank you Benny .. as well as casting "Uncle Lionel" in various projects for television / film ... the "Face", the image of The Treme' Brass Band is "Uncle Lionel"... most importantly, "Uncle Lionel" is one of the indelible SPIRITUAL. tangible symbols of
New Orleanians ... an 80 year "young" musician literally stayed "afloat" ... his bass drum preserving his life during the floods of Katrina ... as his music kept us all alive post. May you Second Line your way into your next Legendary set. "Uncle Lionel", there is only one ... I, New Orleans will miss dancing with you !
Christian Phillip Wagner III
Orpheus Productions
New Orleans / Miami Beach / Los Angeles
Harriet Christian
July 8, 2012
May the Lord keep the entire Batiste family in perfect peace!!
July 8, 2012
May you play even louder in heaven so we can still hear you on earth, prayer to your family and God bless,
The Huff's
AZ
Ledora Jackson
July 8, 2012
May the God of peace be with You,The fullest of time.
July 8, 2012
To the BATISTE family sorry for your loss may GOD give you his love, peace, and strength in this time of sorrow. May he R.I.P -|-
Cynthia Smith
July 8, 2012
I watched the HBO show where is played by an actor God Bless Yall
July 8, 2012
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
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