Dee Verl Bateman

Dee Verl Bateman, 79, of Idaho Falls passed away Saturday April 28, 2012 at his winter home in Bullhead City, Arizona. He was born June 23, 1932 in Richmond, Utah to Albert and Maureen Bateman. He was raised and attended schools in Richmond and graduated from North Cache High School. Dee moved to Eastern Idaho shortly after graduation and went to work for Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company as a Lineman. It was there he met and married LaRae George. They were married on March 29, 1952. LaRae passed away in July 1996. Dee enlisted in the US Army in 1952 and was stationed on active duty in Alaska; he was honorably discharged in 1954. Dee served for many years in the Idaho National Guard following his active duty. He then resumed his career with the telephone company. He spent his whole career working for Mountain Bell Telephone and retired in 1984 as the local toll department supervisor. He was an active lifetime member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. On March 1, 2001 Dee married Gae Bates in Laughlin Nevada. Together they spent summers in Idaho Falls and winters at their home in Bullhead City, Arizona. Dee is survived by his wife, Gae Bateman of Idaho Falls, Idaho; a sister Beverly Mack of Logan, Utah, Children; Dee Ann Allen of Lincoln, Nebraska, Son; Kent G. (Susan) Bateman of Idaho Falls, Idaho. Stepson; Lyle (Susan) Schwartz of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Stepdaughters; Kathy (Al) Wagner of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Kay Lynn Anderson of Alpine, Wyoming; 5 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother and father and wife, LaRae. The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, May 4, 2012, at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 W. Main Street, Rigby, Idaho. Friends can also meet from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Saturday, May 5th, at the Richmond Stake Center in Richmond, Utah prior to graveside services at Richmond City Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby, Idaho. Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Lung Association.