Ronald Dee Bateman (Ron/Ronnie), 72, left us on September 14, 2019 to be with his Father Arthur Lee Bateman (Pop), Mother Martha Plemmons Bateman, sister Gloria Jean Martin, and twin brother Donald Lee Bateman. Ron was “born in space” in Santa Rita, NM in August 15, 1947, moved to Silver City, along with his house, when the Chino Copper Mine expanded into Santa Rita, and spent the rest of his childhood and early adult life in Silver. Ron was a Vietnam Veteran, proudly serving in the US Army; where he was a Medic on the front lines. He always said that the military helped him grow up. He fought that war all of his life with the illness it produced. After military he worked various jobs and decided to finish his college degree in Physical Education and Counseling. He obtained his Bachelor’s in Physical Education and Master’s in Counseling, and endorsements in School Administration. His career took him from a dorm Counselor on the Navajo Reservation in Shonto, AZ, a counselor in Reserve, NM, a principal in Floyd, NM, a principal on the Mescalero, NM Apache Reservation, to a Principal/Superintendent on the Alamo, NM Navajo Reservation. He thoroughly enjoyed his time counseling in public schools and retired when his military illnesses impacted his health. He returned to Silver City in 2000 to take care of his mother and stayed here the rest of his life in the home where he was born. Ron loved to shop and eat sweets!  You knew if you had a hankering for something sweet, just drop by the Bateman’s house. He loved meeting new people during his shopping trips and made them feel at home in whatever shop he was in. Many teased that shops were his second home! Ron was always joking, could make tense situations light, and was a firm believer in Jesus.

Ron is survived by his wife Allison Bateman, brother in law, Grady Martin, sister in law, Susie Bateman; daughters, Cecily Langendorf (Jinx Gonzales), Jill Langendorf, Lorie Crumbley Davis (David), Brandie Brady (Daniel), Kari Conyers (Nathan); sons, Matthew Bateman (Melody), Tyrel Carter (Nicole), Chance Carter (Melody); his grandchildren, Katlyn Davis, Samantha Davis, Randi Peters, Skye Peters, Evila Gonzales, Baxter Berry-Bateman, Chloe Brady, Olivia Conyers, Siersha Conyers, Samuel Carter, Annabelle Carter, Harmony and Junior Carter.

Services to remember Ron will be held Friday, September 20, 2019.  Visitation will be from 11:30-12:30pm at Terrazas Funeral Chapels. The funeral service will begin at 12:30pm with Pastor Earseye Ross officiating.  Concluding service and interment will follow Fort Bayard National Cemetery with full military honors. Pallbearers will be Robert, Matt, and Shawn Farmer, Tyrel and Chance Carter, and Nathan Conyers.  Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777. To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.