Obituary

Dewitt Mouton Bateman

September 16, 1939 - January 29, 2025

Dewitt Mouton Bateman, age 85, passed away on Wednesday January 29, 2025 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital after a brief illness. He was born in the Springhill Community in 1939, and graduated from Franklinton high School Class of 1957. Dewitt held a Bachelor of Arts degree from Louisiana State University and Master of Divinity degree from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He worked in many roles over the years, including as a minister, Assistant Superintendent of Milne Boys Home in New Orleans, a substitute school teacher, a farmer and retired from a security position at International Mill. Dewitt also served on the Washington Parish School Board for several years.

Dewitt loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was proud of each of them and their accomplishments. He enjoyed spending time with his family and canine companions, Rudy and Bear. He was a man of integrity and always tried to do the right and good thing. He was an honest and generous gentleman who never met a stranger and was genuinely interested in others. Dewitt was intelligent and loved to read. He was curious to learn, and he delighted in sharing his knowledge with family and friends on any subject they may be interested in, whether it be a selected destination for an upcoming trip, or the latest health information. The grandchildren remember “Paw Dee” as thoughtful, kind and a generous Santa Claus at Christmas!

He is survived by: Son: Dr. Dewitt M. Bateman, Jr. and his wife, Mary, of Baton Rouge; Daughter: Angela Heigle and her husband, Dr. Thomas Heigle, of Baton Rouge; Grandchildren: Zachary Bateman and his wife, Brianna, Emily Bateman, Jonathan Bateman, Benjamin Bateman, Sarah Heigle, Christopher Heigle and one great-grandchild James Bateman; Brother: Jake Bateman and his wife, Charlotte, and their daughters Lori Liner and Sandy Coon

He was preceded in death by his parents Mouton Bateman and Jessie Mae Jones Bateman, an infant sister Margaret and an infant brother.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home (1109 Bene Street, Franklinton, LA) Saturday February 15th from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm, with a graveside service and burial in Ellis Cemetery immediately following the visitation.