Obituary

Burlon W. Bateman, Sr.

August 24, 1946 - January 13, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a loving husband and father, Burlon W Bateman Sr, at his home late Saturday evening on the 13th of January.

Born in Franklinton, in a home he called ‘Blueberry Hill’, Burlon grew to have a heart of gold and an infallible sense of humor. He always had a smile on his face, and always knew how to hold a conversation. There was never a person he couldn't connect with.

The beginnings of his love for mechanics began at home. Raised on a farm, Burlon developed an interest in trucks and tractors, along with all their inner workings, which he carried with him. He loved to learn, and he expressed it through his mission to keep everything he had earned in perfect working order. Preservation was his way of showing how much he cared.

He attended and graduated from Franklinton High School, followed by a brief attendance at Southeastern Louisiana University, before throwing himself to his work.

Burlon loved his work as an industrial mechanic, as it allowed him to do what he loved while traveling to the farthest places of the world. But even more, he enjoyed his downtime at home. He would always take long car rides with his family where he would recount tales from his childhood and stories of the old country roads– roads he knew like the back of his hand. When he wasn't on the road, he could be found at home tending to the fields he loved or simply enjoying reruns of John Wayne and Gunsmoke (a huge western fan).

He is preceded in death by parents Ezekiel Ellis Bateman, and Lucy Hazel Smith; along with sister Faye Ellen Simpson, and brothers Dallas Lane and Ellis Ezekiel Bateman.

He is survived by his wife of 25 years– who remained by his side through his illness– Hortencia S. Bateman, and daughter Lucy V. Bateman.

Out of respect for his wishes, a private service will be held at Crain Funeral Home.

The family wishes to extend our gratitude to the nurses, aides, and state workers who assisted in the care of Burlon over the course of his illness.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Foundation Louisiana Chapter can be made in Burlon's name.