Following an illness of about three weeks, Frank B. Bateman, native of Washington Parish, passed away Wednesday at midnight, surrounded by his devoted wife and six children and other loved ones. Mr. Bateman was born and reared near the place where he was living at the time of his death. He was a descendant of the late Mr. and Mrs. Bryant Bateman, pioneers of this section. Mr. Bateman was known throughout Washington Parish for his genial disposition, his interest in public affairs and his years of service to the schools and public welfare of his parish. He served as a member of the Parish School Board for almost 40 years and was president of the body for more than 20 years and had given unsparingly of his time and talents to the school systems of this Parish. He watched with interest the schools grow to what they are now, and was very proud of [the] new high school just completed. Deceased was a life-long member of the Franklinton Baptist church. He was truly a good man and will be greatly missed by the entire community. Mr. Bateman is survived by his widow, with whom he had been happily married for a little more than 50 years, and six children, F. O. Bateman, Bogalusa; B. A. Bateman, Baton Rouge; Mrs. W. D. Daniel and Mrs. O. N. Miller, Franklinton, and Mrs. Arthur Green, Enon, and Mrs. Oliver Wager, Jennings, several grandchildren and one brother, J. L. Bateman, Sr. Funeral services were held from the Franklinton Baptist church Thursday afternoon, conducted by Rev. J. F. McLelland, assisted by Revs. Chaney and McLean in the presence of a large circle of relatives and friends. The interment took place in the Ellis cemetery here. Uncle Frank will be greatly missed by all and the Era-Leader joins the community in expressing our sincere sympathy to the family and other love ones.
