BATEMAN

Howell (Harrell) “Ray” Bateman passed away Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, at the age of 83. He was born Oct. 28, 1926, in Mount Hermon. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy Seabees and proudly served his country during World War II. He worked for New Orleans Public Service for 42 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawson and Eula Bateman; brothers, Joe and Steve Bateman; and sister, Athalone Rustin.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Florence Hulin Bateman; his children, Ann Musacchia (wife of Roy), Ray Bateman (husband of Cecile), Glenn Bateman (husband of Linda) and Micky Bateman (husband of Geralyn). “Big Daddy” was also survived by his grandchildren, Mark (Kelly), Melisa (Travis), Stephen (Jamie), Tommy, Sarah (Tony), Danny (the late Amber), Michelle (Sid) and Brett. He will be fondly remembered by his 15 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Shirley Alford; and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends of the family, along with officers and members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8290, the Ladies Auxiliary and members of the Bayou Lacombe Senior Citizens Club, are invited to attend a memorial service at 11 a.m. Friday at Honaker Funeral Home,1751 Gause Blvd. W. (in Forest Lawn Cemetery), Slidell. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time.

Interment will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery, Biloxi, Miss., at 2:30 p.m.Donations to The American Cancer Society at www.can cer.org are preferred in lieu of flowers.