Mack Bateman

MACK BATEMAN IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Mack ElRay Bateman, 87, of Idaho Falls, passed away November 22, 2009, at Parkwood Meadows Assisted Living Community. He was born April 2, 1922, in Panquitch, Utah, to James Robert Bateman and Rela McMullin Bateman. He was in World War II in the U.S. Marines and served in the Pacific Theatre. After the war he married LaVerla Jones. They would have celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary on December 25th, 2009. After their marriage, they moved to Freedom, Wyoming, to ranch. He also worked on the Palisades Dam from 1952 to 1955. In 1958, they moved to Idaho Falls and in 1959 he joined the Idaho Falls Police Department and retired in 1983 as Sergeant. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and traveling. He was the ultimate handyman who could build or fix just about anything. His passion for years was building beautiful and unusual western furnishings out of old farm artifacts and horse tack. Until recent years, he enjoyed spending winters in Yuma, AZ, with his wife, LaVerla and many close friends. He is survived by his wife, LaVerla; one brother, Robert Bateman, of St. George, UT; two sons Dennis (Wylene) Bateman of Iona, ID; Gary Bateman of Idaho Falls, ID; three daughters; Bonnie (Jerry) Cosgrove of Huntington Beach, CA; Pamela (LeRoy) Erickson of Idaho Falls, ID; Sandra (Steve) Hankel of Boise, ID. There are 13 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, LaVar and Bertin Bateman, and one grandchild, Jed Bateman. The family would like to send a very special thank you to Creekside Home Health & Hospice and Parkwood Meadows Assisted Living Community for all their support and care. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 28, 2009, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge. The family will visit with friends on Saturday from 1 to 1:45 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park. Veterans rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and the Idaho Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations be sent to Creekside Hospice, 3686 Washington Parkway, Idaho Falls, ID 83404. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Aimee Anderson andeaime@d91.k12.id.us This picture is great . . . just how I remember Grandpa! At this time when hearts are heavy, I just pray that you be filled with peace and content . . . know that he is in a better place without the struggles probably working on some craft! Love you all!! Sincerely, Aimee Anderson and family! Stephen & Camille Mack scmack4@gmail.com Dear Pam, Leroy & Family, We are so sorry for the loss of your father. Please know we are thinking of you & we are praying for comfort and peace for you during this difficult time. Love Always, Stephen, Camille Mack & Family Elwood Kirby & Family Valerie Thompson rivers840@comcast.net To the Bateman Family, May each of you find comfort in knowing that God is "near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves." (Psalm 34;18) He has promised to soon "swallow up death forever . . . and wipe the tears from all faces." (Isaiah 25;8) Take care. Dennis and Vicky Johnson ddj1950@mac.com Pam, Sandy and Bonnie, So sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. We have many fond memories with your family. Dennis and Vicky Johnson