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William Frederick Bateman

March 10, 1925 ~ September 6, 2021 (age 96) 96 Years Old

Tribute

William Frederick Bateman, 96, of Lakeland, passed away September 6, 2021. He was born March 10, 1925 in Baltimore, MD.
Bill was a World War II veteran he served as a Marine in the Pacific (once a Marine always a Marine), First Division –four campaigns New Guinea, New Briton, Peleliu and Okinawa. He received the Bronze Star for gallantry up and above.
After World War II, he moved to Chicago, IL and married Marilyn (Bee) Bateman. They raised a family of four children. He worked at Ward Baking Company for 26 years.
In 1971, he became a McDonald franchisee. In 1972 moved to Bartow, FL and opened his first restaurant. Over the next few years, he opened stores in Lake Wales, Mulberry and Frostproof - 6 stores all together.
In 1998, he married Carole Bateman. They enjoyed traveling and trips with their family, holidays and visiting their mountain house and the beach.
He was a lifetime member of the Bartow Kiwanis Club, Member of the Chamber of Commerce in Bartow, Lake Wales, Mulberry and Frostproof. He supported and sponsored Polk County schools and sports in those communities along with scholarships for Polk County students. Bill enjoyed watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and love playing golf.
He is survived by his wife Carole; children Barbara Miller (Tom) – Boulder, Co, Peggy Binder (Marty)- Clearwater, FL, William R. Bateman (Karen)- Mulberry, FL, Robert Bateman (Kheng)- Tampa, FL, Sheri Kell- Lakeland, FL, and Steve Narramore (Dina)- Plant City, FL; 10 grandchildren; as well as many other extended family members and friends.
A wonderful husband, father and true friend. He will be missed.
Visitation will be held Monday, Sept 13, 2021 from 6-8PM at the Lakeland Funeral Home, it is open to the public- the family asks that masks be worn. The private funeral (FAMILY ONLY) will be viewable on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 beginning at 10:45AM at www.lakelandfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Tampa Bay, 35 Davis Blvd
Tampa, FL 33606 or www.rmhctampabay.org

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1631319838136070

Click here to view a webcast of the service on 9/14/2021 at 10:40 AM, Eastern Standard Time.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Frederick Bateman, please visit our floral store.


Services

Visitation
Monday
September 13, 2021

6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Lakeland Funeral Home
2125 South Bartow Hwy
Lakeland, FL 33801

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