Thomas L. Bateman, age 93, of Athens passed on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023 at Hickory Creek of Athens.  Born Nov. 9, 1929 in Nelsonville, he was the son of the late George Bateman, former Athens County Sheriff, and Agnes Rosser Bateman.

A 1947 graduate of Athens High School, he attended Ohio University.  He was employed at Columbia Gas as a Supervisor and retired as a District Manager. He attended Christ Community Wesleyan Church of Albany.  He was a 58 year member of Paramuthia Lodge 25 F&AM, a member of the Athens York Rite (Chapter, Council, Commandery), Aladdin Temple Shrine and Athens Chapter 175 OES.  He was a former member of the Athens County Shrine Club.  He enjoyed sports and supported Ohio University Basketball with Jan's Fans.  He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Japan.

Tom is survived by his wife of 63 years, Cynthia Carsey Bateman; two daughters, Star (Andrew) Taylor of Athens and Debra (Ray) Finnearty of Delaware, Ohio; a son, John (Ann) Bateman of Maryville, Tenn; eight grandchildren, Lisa (Leo) Welsh, Jason (Beth) Bateman, Jessica (Todd) Darst, Cody Ostrander, Caitlin Finnearty, Kimberly (Darrell) Briggs, Ashley (Matthew) Wagner and Kristen Taylor and her fiancé, Samuel Lewis; six great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents he is preceded in death by three sisters, Alma Shields, Lois Ferrell and June Gibson; three brothers, Richard Bateman, George Bateman and Rosser Bateman.

Funeral service will be conducted Monday at 1:00 p.m. at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens with Tim Russell, Minister officiating.  Burial will be in Alexander Cemetery, Hebbardsville.  Friends may call Monday 11:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.  Masonic rites will be conducted Monday at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home.   Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.