He was a United States Army veteran, having served in the Korean War, three tours of duty in the Vietnam War, and four years in Germany. He received three bronze stars, a good conduct medal (3rd award), Army medal ARCOM Vietnam Service medal w/ 60 Dev, Aircraft Crewman Badge, and VSM NDSM (1st OLC). He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and loved his grandchildren. He also enjoyed watching the deer after becoming disabled, and kept count of the number of them he saw over a period of three years in his backyard, totaling 1,052 in all. He was a very loving husband, father and friend, and was referred to as the "Sherriff of Shannon Road". In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one son, Michael Anthony Bateman; one sister, Shirley Bateman Carpenter; and one granddaughter, Kelly Bateman Coburn.
Murl is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mildred Davis Bateman; two sons, Murl Gene Bateman, Jr. and wife Terry, and Marc Devon Bateman and wife Debbie all of Pine Bluff; one daughter, Patricia Lynn Miller and husband Chuck of Magnet Cove; one sister, Elizabeth Bateman Hawkins of Orange, TX; two brothers Robert Bateman of Monticello and Delbert Bateman of White Hall; eight grandchildren; and fourteen great grandchildren.
Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at the Shannon Road Baptist Church, 6817 Shannon Road, Watson Chapel with Rev. Josh Blevins and Rev. Gene Triplett officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday evening at the church. Burial with full military honors will follow in Gaster Hill Cemetery, Highway 35 West in Monticello. Arrangements by Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home, Monticello AR. Online guestbook: www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(14)
Joyce Bateman Schell
Granbury, TX Friday, October 9, 2015 We are first cousins on our Father's side of the family. Our deepest sympathy for your loss. We are grateful for his service to our country.JCSO Reserve Deputy Greg Shapiro
White Hall, AR Tuesday, October 6, 2015 My sympathies to Lt. Bateman's family.David & Katrinia Monroe
White Hall, AR Monday, October 5, 2015 Our prayers are with the family at this time of great loss. Hope that the wonderful memories that you have of him will lift your spirits.Phillip and Dee Malone
Pine Bluff, AR Monday, October 5, 2015 Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.Phillip and Dee Malone
Pine Bluff, AR Monday, October 5, 2015 Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.Sharon Miller Mumbleau
Northport, AL Monday, October 5, 2015 Dear Mildred, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I remember the Goodyears. Sharonkaren amick
sherwood, AR Monday, October 5, 2015 Mildred, Just wanted to express my condolences.Martha Barbee
Monticello, AR Monday, October 5, 2015 Tara,Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Charles and Sherri Oaks Patterson
pine bluff, AR Sunday, October 4, 2015 Mark you & your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are very sorry for your loss.Wilkins Family
Pine Bluff, AR Sunday, October 4, 2015 I am so sorry for your loss. But there is no more pain and no more suffering. God received another great Angel. Now he is watching over you Ms Millie and the family. God bless you. And may God give you comfort in your heart. We love you Ms Millie and we are always here if you ever need anything. Don't hesitate to call. Love Always Amanda WilkinsGlen & Billie Sue Heinzelman
Star City, AR Sunday, October 4, 2015 I will miss the stories about everything from hunting and fishing to work and your time in the service. I'm going to miss seeing you out on the road and checking on everything that happens. I'll miss you waiting on the hunters to come out of the woods to see what we got that day. I'm gonna missYOU.Marshall Murl the Shannon Road Sherriff, you will be missed!
Denesia Conner
Pine Bluff, AR Sunday, October 4, 2015 So sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.Terry and Cindy Allen
White Hall, AR Sunday, October 4, 2015 May God comfort this family, with all our love and respect.Lelia Davis
Monticello, AR Saturday, October 3, 2015 mildred and family, you have my sincere sympathy for your loss of Murl. He was a very nice and giving person, always had some humor on his side. I know he will be missed very much by everyone. He was one of a kind. May God bless you while you are going through this difficult time.