Franklin Lee Bateman, Jr.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1938, Frank graduated from Bay Village High School in Ohio in 1956. He then went on to study at Penn State, Ohio State, Baldwin Wallace, and the University of Cincinnati.

As a young man, Frank's family always had horses, and for a period of time owned a horse farm. Frank enjoyed riding for many years. He later served in the United States Army Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1st Bde UAATC Armor 2D from 1961 to 1963, where he was awarded a medal for good conduct and was recognized for his design skills. For nearly 20 years, Frank owned Franklin Field Services, a niche metallurgical business.

In 1964, Frank married Judith Kathryn Tangler of Cleveland and the two celebrated 57 years of marriage. (Frank was honorably discharged from the military on 11/28/1963 and he and Judy used to joke that he “traded one 1st Sergeant for another,” as they wed one year later on 11/28/1964.) Frank and Judy had four children together and raised their family in Worthington, Ohio. Frank never missed an opportunity to coach his kids’ sports teams and attend their events. He also was a leader for his kids’ scouting troops. With his trademark handlebar mustache and playful personality, his grandkids are thrilled that history has repeated and that “Papa” has been their #1 fan at their various events.

Frank was an outstanding cook and he and Judy treasured their time collaborating in the kitchen. The Batemans were well-traveled, dining their way through Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Great Britain, Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Cypress, Israel, Jordan, Russia, China, Japan, Tahiti, Australia and New Zealand.

An avid outdoorsman and nature lover, Frank enjoyed hunting and fishing, and would often provide food for his family throughout the year from his successful expeditions. He was also a keen card player, enjoying games of Gin Rummy, Five Crowns, Hearts, and Euchre.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents Franklin Lee Bateman, Sr., and Mary “Dolly” Von Ohl Bateman. He is survived by his wife Judy, his four children Craig (Molly) Bateman, Susan Bateman Severs, Mark (Larissa) Bateman, Courtney (Aaron) Petrasko; his grandchildren Nathan and Regan Bateman, Chase, Reed and Pierce Bateman, and Kathryn, Lauren and Clare Petrasko; his sister Beverly Wyatt and beloved nephews and nieces, sister- and brother- in law.

Family and friends may call on Monday, May 9, from 1pm-3pm and 5pm-7pm at Schoedinger Funeral Home in Worthington (Rosary at 12:30pm). There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, May 10, at 10am at St. Joseph Cathedral, 212 E. Broad Street, Columbus; with Burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Lewis Center

Donations may be made in Frank’s memory to the Saint Joseph Cathedral Backdoor Ministry or Buddy Up for Life. Direct links and addresses for both organizations are posted below.