John Bateman Obituary

Roger Bateman, a devoted family man, lover of animals, friend to many, Navy pilot, successful entrepreneur, civic leader, and proud longtime resident of Corpus Christi, passed away on Tuesday, July 29, at the age of 97.

Born September 21, 1927, in Medford, Oregon, Roger overcame early physical challenges, including scarlet fever and polio. He was a standout student, graduating high school at 16, winning a competitive college scholarship, and eventually earning degrees from the University of California, Berkeley, along with an MBA. He was smart, driven, and unafraid to forge his own path.

In the midst of World War II, Roger volunteered for the U.S. Navy, where he trained as a naval aviator in Corpus Christi and flew PBM seaplanes in the Pacific. He survived a crash in Saipan, a forced landing in Hong Kong Harbor, and a violent mid-ocean storm, all before the age of 21. He earned his wings, his commission, and developed a lifelong sense of duty, continuing to serve in the Naval Reserve for eight years after the war.

His post-war life was no less extraordinary. Roger became CFO of Coastal States Gas Producing Company at the age of 30, helping steer the company through a period of explosive growth on the New York Stock Exchange. Later, he founded Bateman Investments, where he successfully led ventures in over two dozen companies, taking calculated risks and achieving major wins. He was fearless in business, intellectually curious, and uncommonly savvy.

Roger was also an avid pilot, owning his own plane and flying for more than four decades, including World War II aircraft as a Colonel in the Commemorative Air Force. He traveled to over 100 countries, camped in the Gobi Desert, and was among the first American tourists to enter post-Nixon China and the Soviet Union.

Beyond his personal achievements, Roger gave generously of his time and resources. He led fundraising campaigns for the United Way, the YWCA, and local churches. He chaired the Texas State Board of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, securing landmark funding to shift care from institutions to communities. He championed diversity in hiring and brought Hispanic leadership into civic life well before it was common.

Roger never slowed down. Even in his 90s, he remained active on nonprofit boards, most recently the Coastal Bend Food Bank. His legacy of service spanned more than 70 years and left an enduring mark on Corpus Christi and beyond.

He was also a devoted husband and father. He married Dorothy Blasingame during the war, and together they raised a family.

After their children were grown, he found love again and married his second wife, Freddie, in 1984. Their partnership was filled with warmth, humor, and a shared love of animals, never turning away one in need of a home.

Roger Bateman lived boldly, thought deeply, gave freely, and loved fiercely. He leaves behind family, friends, and a lasting legacy of leadership, vision, and grit.

Roger is survived by his son, David Bateman; daughters, Sally (Howard) Baulch and Susan (Blair) Hoch; stepdaughter, Randy Heintze; and stepson, Kirk Kinnett. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jacque (Kyle) Kruppa, Christina (Jeremy Cochran) Baulch, Diana (Jeff) Nevolo, Jonathan (Kathleen) Baulch, Nicholas (Caitlin) Baulch, Cassidy Kinnett, Malana Kinnett, Chanelle Kinnett, and Kylie (Carlos) Cooper. Roger was deeply proud of his eleven great-grandchildren: Cayden, Jackson, Amelia, Clara, Leah, James, Grayson, Emily, Hunter, Charlotte, and Henry.

He leaves behind many special friends including Ola Rushing, Laura Valverde and others.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to KEDT-TV at KEDT.org or by mailing to KEDT/South Texas Public Broadcasting System, 3205 S. Staples, Corpus Christi, TX 78411. Contributions may also be made to the John Roger Bateman Endowed Scholarship in Business and Accounting at Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. Gifts can be made online at giving.tamucc.edu or mailed to the Division of Institutional Advancement, 6300 Ocean Dr., Unit 5741, Corpus Christi, TX 78412.

Visitation will be on Friday, August 1st from 5:00-7:00 at Seaside Memorial Park, 4357 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, Texas, 78412. Services will be held on Saturday, August 2, at 11:00 a.m. at South Shores Christian Church, 4710 S. Alameda, Corpus Christi, TX 78412. Live streaming will be available via Southshorecorpus.com or via South Shore Christian Corpus Facebook or YouTube. A reception at the church will follow the service. Interment will take place at 2:30 p.m. at Seaside Memorial Park, Garden of Peace section.