Alfred C. Bateman Obituary (1927

McLean - Alfred "Al" C. Bateman, 91, of El Paso and formerly of McLean, passed away at 10:29 p.m. on Sunday, September 1, 2019, at his home. Al was born on October 3, 1927, in Greene County, Illinois, the son of Elmer and Maude (Ridings) Bateman. He married Margy J. Walden on February 22, 1958, in McLean. She survives, along with their four children: Max (Janice) and Sally (Brian) North, both of El Paso; Judy (Jeff) England of Bloomington; and Ken of Grand Forks, North Dakota. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, great grandchildren, and his six grandchildren: Kayla (Frank) Arnolts, Quentin (Katie) Bateman, Drew North, Miles (Jessica) Bateman, Samantha (Ian) Geshwilm and Shelby Bateman. Al worked as a lineman for Illinois Power Company and did forestry work in McLean for several decades. After retirement he enjoyed working at Funk Farms and continuing his tree work well into his later years. He was a United States Army veteran and lifetime member of the McLean American Legion where he was a past commander. He enjoyed gardening and the St. Louis Cardinals, and was an accomplished craftsman. He generously shared his unique woodworks with family and friends over many years. Al was a loving husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather, and enjoyed spending time with his family, especially during regular trips back home to visit in White Hall, Illinois. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 7 at Ebenezer United Methodist Church in rural McLean, where he was a member of the congregation with Margy. Rev. Carl Johnston will officiate. The family invites all to join for a remembrance with a luncheon at Ebenezer immediately following the service. Cremation rites were accorded and inurnment will take place privately at Funks Grove Cemetery with military rites by the McLean American Legion. Calvert-Johnson & Froelich Memorial home, El Paso, assisted the family with arrangements. Memorials may be made to Burger-Benedict American Legion Post # 573 or to McLean Fire and Rescue.