Samuel M. Bateman

Samuel M. Bateman, 84, of Fort Smith passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2014. He was born on January 9, 1930 in Claudville, Virginia, to Mattie Sue and Merritt Bateman. He served 4 years in the Air Force with the majority of time at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. After his service, he graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Business Administration. He spent 31 years with Whirlpool and was frequently promoted throughout his career taking assignments in Michigan, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Arkansas. He was the Plant Manager of the Fort Smith facility from 1974 to 1981. He also spent 4 years as the President of the Whirlpool facility in Brazil and then returned to the Corporate offices in Benton Harbor, MI. to finish his career. His final position was Executive Vice-President which was one of the top three positions in the company. He served on the board of Sparks Hospital as well the board of the Fort Smith Symphony. He enjoyed golfing and the camaraderie of his many friends at Hardscrabble Country Club. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church. He took great joy in his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Fran; one daughter, Lisa Sirag and husband David of Ellington Connecticut; one son, Steve Bateman and wife Coleen of Fort Smith; and sister Frances Heath of Claudville, Virginia; and two grandchildren, Megan Sirag of Middlesex, Connecticut and Samuel Sirag of Ellington, Connecticut. He will be deeply missed by his family. Visitation will be Friday, December 26 in the chapel of Edwards Funeral Home from 5 pm to 7 pm. Memorial service will be held Saturday, December 27 in the Roebuck Chapel of the First United Methodist Church at 10 am. Burial will be Monday, December 29 at 11 am in the National Cemetery for family and friends. Services are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Boyd Saviers, Bruce McNeill, Dick Litzinger, Jim Sparks and Doug Parker. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sebastian County Humane Society, PO Box 10953, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72917 or First United Methodist Church, 200 North 15th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.