W.R. "Dub" Bateman

W.R. "Dub" Bateman, 79, of Rector, died Thursday, Dec. 18, 2008, at Twin Rivers Medical Center in Kennett.

Born Dec. 27, 1928, in Greenway to the late Sydney Mack and Stella Mae Bateman, he was a farmer, retired from Cotner Bevington at Blytheville and also had retired after 17 years with Emerson Electric of Kennett. He was of the Baptist faith.

He also was preceded in death by one brother, Harrison Bateman, and three sisters, Ann Kahn, Berniece Morris and Bonnie Davis.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce Bateman of the home; one son, Bruce Bateman of Franklin, Tenn.; one step-son, John Todd Lawrence of Franklin, Tenn.; one daughter, Sherrie Hernandous of California; two step-daughters, Karen Renae Murray of Paragould and Sharon Denise Toone of Rector; four brothers, Velius Bateman of Marmaduke, Jerry Bateman of Knobel and Wallace and Darrell Bateman of Michigan; six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, six step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandson.

Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 22, at Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel in Rector. Burial was in Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector with Mitchell Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers were Dewayne Bateman, Steve Bateman, Gary Bateman, Wade Murray, Mike Murray and Frank Smith.

Those who wish may sign the online guest book at www.mitchellfuneralhome.com