The untimely death of Dewitt L. Bateman is mourned today by the whole community. His passing at noon Tuesday at the hospital in New Orleans, was a shock and a surprise to his family and friends, even though it came after more than a fortnight's treatment; but all symptoms seemed improved and his general condition was considered very much better and all preparations had been made for bringing him back home, when the change for the worse came and a weakened heart action precipitated the end. Deceased was one of six sons and four daughters born to Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Bateman, pioneer settlers of this parish, the aged mother, three brothers and two sisters still surviving. Born and reared in Franklinton, Mr. Bateman married and raised his family here and has been a strong factor in Baptist church affairs where he has been a member since his early youth. School affairs and all community interests found him enlisted and co-operative, and in fact he will be a loss to the community at large. As a father he was affectionate and indulgent; a dutiful son, a loyal brother, a kind neighbor, and a faithful friend. He was twice married, first to Miss Ada Jones, to which union seven children were born, four girls, Mrs. P. N. Givens, Mrs. John Corkern, Mrs. Elbert Hennesy, Miss Bessie Bateman, and three boys, Doyle, Mouton and David, There are also six grandchildren surviving. His second marriage was to Miss Nettie Bahm, who survives him and who for a number of years has been a noble companion to him and the elder children and a worthy helpmeet in rearing the younger children from childhood when they lost their mother in an early death. Mr. Bateman was born January 29, 1880 and died May 3, 1932, being 52 years, three months and four days of age. Funeral services were held in the local Baptist church at 2:30 Wednesday, Rev. J. H. Smith officiating, assisted by the local Methodist ministers. Interment followed in Ellis cemetery with friends from all over the parish and other parts of the state present in sympathy and respect.
