1580 Oilwell Road Blacksburg, VA 24060 19 Apr 1997 Dear Lauretta and David: I am so glad that I got to talk with Dean last October when I was in Rochester. Normally it is such a rush when in Rochester, that I often do not get to do what I would like, but I did try to make the effort. Dean remembered many of the things that I did, but he had his own insight into what had occurred or should have occurred over the years. Unfortunately there were many years without contact, and once there was, there was a great deal of distance between us. I recall fondly of Dean when I think back to my childhood, and how he would come to the house and play with me. He must have been approaching 20 when I was about 5, but I do remember a great deal of involvement with Dean and my grandparents from 1945 to about 1954-after that Dean was working, and when I got into high school I was off on my own. I recall playing marbles on the floor of our house. When at the farm, it was my sole desire to get to the attic to see his toys. I would try to sneak up there, but I would only make it once in a while as I had to open a trap door and this gave me away. In my early teens, it was Dean that showed me how to fire a .22, hold the rifle, and use the sights. I recall one instance when we shot up into the maples near the barn door at crows. I would often get his beebee gun down to shoot while on the farm. I would run his silver-racing bike around house, onto the road, and back on the drive-the handle bars were always loose, and one time I took a real bad one. During the late forties, I remember seeing Dean milk the cows, and call them by names of Baby, Daisy, Mother Moo, Elsie etc.-he would kiss them on their mouths, and I thought that great! He did this knowing I would laugh at it. In my mind Dean was always a great guy, and I remember him best by the things above. I'm sad to think he is no longer with us as I always thought him part and particle of the Bateman farm - he was always there, and I would get out of my car and call Dean knowing he would reply from somewhere on the property. Dean had a personality which was unique, and I believe him to be a very smart man that lacked the engineering or mechanical training of college that would made him very successful-I recall back to when he worked on the old family Ford tractor, and how he kept it going; how he would find trashed steam engines in the swamps and make them work. Many steam engines years after their usefulness were again working, and how he could rebuild and work on engines of all types. I always took pride that is was the German mechanic ability coming through that I so sorely lack but could be proud of in the genes. These are the things that are often overlooked in judging an individual because we cannot seem to see this in others at all times. I would like to stay in touch, and I will come out to the farm next time in Rochester. You are also both welcome to visit us in Blacksburg, and we normally have room to put people up. In fact David, I was sort of disappointed that you didn't stop by on the way to the NC. I do have some things from the Bateman family pictures that can be copied or exchanged in the future. I have some of Dean as a baby (held by my mother or a nurse), and some with my Dad and Dean on various trips my family when on. I would copy them now but they have to take a picture (cost $7) which is rather expensive if the picture is not a must. Sincerely, Dana R. Spencer



Obituary: Bateman,Dean C. Spencerport: Monday, April 14, 1997 at age 71. He is survived by his wife, Loretta K. Bateman and his son David C. Bateman; his sister-in-law, Joann Krug; his brothers-in-law, Vincent (Trudy) and John Krug; several nieces and nephews. He was a lifelong resident of the town of Ogden. Friends may call Tuesday 7-9 pm and Wednesday 2-4, 7-9 pm at the Walker Brothers Co. Funeral Home, 15 West Ave, Spencerport; where a Funeral Service will be held Thursday at 11 am interment Fairfield Cemetery. Friends wishing may contribute to the Spencerport Volunteer Ambulance in his memory.