CONRAD E. BATEMAN

Conrad Eugene Bateman, 84, of Kennewick, died peacefully after an extended illness at Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland on Thursday, December 10, 2009.

Conrad was born in Pasco, WA, on June 22, 1925, to Wallace and Eliza (Taylor) Bateman. Conrad grew up on the 'River Road' in Kennewick (now known as Columbia Park) on the family farm. Over time, the farm grew to include Bateman Island, where the family raised turkeys (lots and lots of turkeys) and wheat land acreage in the Horse Heaven Hills. At a young age he contracted scarlatina which put him and his mom in quarantine for a long period of time while she tended to him. In 1938 he lost his 10-year-old sister Vernita to diabetes which was fairly unknown about at the time. It remained a sad reminder all his life.

Conrad graduated from Kennewick High School in 1943. He had a passion for airplanes and flying and obtained his pilot's license in his early 20s. Although he was unable to serve in World War II because of the 'brother' law, he was proud of his dog's service in the U.S. Army K-9 Corps.

Conrad married Rose Fallgren, originally from Almont, ND, in March of 1947. They made their first home on Bateman Island at the 'Y' and had one daughter. After the floods of 1948 and 1949, the family moved to a few places until they permanently settled in the Kennewick Highlands, adding three more daughters to the family. Conrad lived there in the family home the rest of his life.

Conrad was a lifelong wheat farmer, remaining active in the family business well into retirement. He and Rose were active in the First Lutheran Church of Kennewick, especially during the earlier years of their family. He helped in the building of the new church in the late 50s and early 60s.

Conrad was a man of few words but had a dry sense of humor and a quick wit. He also enjoyed a good time. He had a close relationship with his wife's siblings and spouses and other lifelong friends. He was an honest and simple man, a loyal friend, and a true farmer who loved working the land. That's what it was all about.

Dad was good provider to his family, especially Mom when her health caused many problems, but he would take her where she needed to go and have done what was needed to be done. We girls were a handful but he got through it. We never went without a breakfast before going to school even though he had a 12-hour plus day on the tractor.

His travels included: Many trips to North Dakota; Hawaii/Maui; all the western states; road trip from here to New Orleans, LA, with family stops in between; Mexico; Canada; Alaska (to Anchorage via Al-Can Highway after it was built); Prudhoe Bay (North Slope); and many gambling spots.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Eliza; wife Rose; daughter Jackie; sister Vernita; and brother Wendell. He is survived by daughters: Connie (Chuck) Morby of Kennewick; Kathy Bateman of Kennewick; Diane Bateman (Rudy Cortez) of Bellingham; grandchildren: Chad (Wendy) Morby, Dan (Amy) Morby, Matthew (Rachel) Morby, Jennifer (Levi) Woods, Mike Morby, all of Kennewick; Taylor Bateman of Seattle; Chris Bateman of Gig Harbor; Robby Cortez of Orlando, FL; and Sophie Cortez of Bellingham; nine great-grandchildren plus one on the way.

We love you Dad and Grandpa and miss you already!

Services will be held at the First Lutheran Church at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 19 (Yelm and Highway 395). Memorials or donations may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, American Diabetes Association, American Cancer Society, and/or American Heart Association.