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Joe Murray Bateman, 76, a life-long resident of Bogalusa, was born Jan. 14, 1946, and passed away at his home surrounded by loved ones on Feb. 16, 2022. His was a life marked by service to his church, his community, his country, and his fellow man.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 52 years, Deborah Dicks Bateman; his daughter, Rebecca Bateman Grijalva; his son-in-law, Eric Grijalva; and his beloved grandson, Nathan Clarke Grijalva. He leaves behind his four siblings, Brenda Bateman Lamb, James Renan “Jimmy” Bateman (Marilyn), George H. Bateman (Sharon) and Lynnette Bateman LeBlanc (Lynn); his sister-in-law, Denice Dicks White; and many precious nieces and nephews and their children. Preceding Joe in death were his parents, James Renan Bateman Sr. and Bernice Smith Bateman; his brother-in-law, Robert E. “Bob” Lamb; and his brother-in-law, CSM (Ret.) Julious Jewell White.

Joe was born and reared in Bogalusa. As a teen and young adult, Joe taught many in the community to swim and worked as a lifeguard at the YMCA and the Bogalusa Country Club. He was graduated from Bogalusa High School in 1964, where he was an honor graduate and student athlete participating in basketball and track. He attended Southeastern Louisiana University (SLU), where he was active on campus and participated in organizations such as Circle K and the Judicial Board. He also worked as a dormitory resident advisor. He was graduated from SLU in 1968. Following college, he served his country in the Louisiana National Guard. Later, he was honorably discharged as a Second Lieutenant from the Army Reserve.

After college, Joe returned to Bogalusa and joined the family business, Bogalusa Indemnity Corporation, where he worked with his father and siblings. In 2017, he retired as President of Bogalusa Indemnity Corporation, having served as owner/agent/solicitor for 49 years.

Throughout his career, he looked for ways to give back to the community of Bogalusa. He was a long-time member of the Bogalusa Campfire Board, the Bogalusa Planning and Zoning Commission, the Kiwanis Club, and the Magic City Carnival Association (MCCA). Joe was a deacon at First Baptist Church, where he served on numerous committees and led the Royal Ambassadors.

He was well known as a sportsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, skeet shooting, water skiing, and all outdoor sports. He often referred to himself as a member of “Fun Incorporated.” Many of his fellow sportsmen provided much encouragement and support throughout his long illness.

The family will hold visitation at First Baptist Church, located at 541 Ave. F in Bogalusa, on Saturday, Feb. 19, at 11 a.m. The funeral will begin at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church, with a graveside service following at Ponemah Cemetery, located at 1136 Louisiana Ave. in Bogalusa.

Pallbearers will be Mike Breland, Bill Murray, Joe O’Neil, George Seal, Mike Stogner and Joe Wade Walker. Honorary pallbearers will be the deacons of First Baptist Church, Buddy Adams, Charlie Carney and Tillman Stogner.

Memorial gifts may be made to First Baptist Church of Bogalusa.