George "Larry" Bateman

George Larry Bateman was best known as “Larry” by all who met him.  He was born in Lebanon, MO to George Bateman and Vellis Ruth Gidden. His grandparents, Lawrence and Esther Marie Bateman raised Larry during the early years of his life alongside his brothers Richard and Terry, his Uncle Jim, Uncle Ted, Uncle Gary, Aunt May, Aunt Helen, Aunt Doris, Aunt Judy, Aunt Dorothy and cousins Donny, Tommy, Timmy, Sherry, Carol, and Marilyn.  After his father married Vivian Bateman on September 15, 1959, Larry and his brothers moved to Chicago.  In 1967 Larry was baptized at Cornelia Baptist Church in Chicago, IL. Larry graduated from Carl Schurz High School where he met his wife, Mary Ann. Larry and Mary Ann spent all of their time together throughout their blessed marriage. They lovingly nurtured two children, Shawn and Jennifer, while working alongside each other at Transo Envelope Company. As Larry and Mary Ann watched their family grow, they extended their nurturing love to Bryan, Tina, and Michell as they joined their family. With great pride, Larry became “Poppi” to the greatest joys of his life Paddy, Alex, and Emily. Larry felt immeasurably blessed by the arrival of each grandchild. 

Larry never met a stranger. He had a nurturing spirit which formed a unique connection with each person who met him. It didn’t matter if you knew him for a few days, weeks, years, or a lifetime, once you connected with him, you were always at ease with him. Larry was not shy when it came to offering comfort to everyone around him through random acts of kindness and prayer. Throughout his life Larry continuously encouraged and challenged his grandchildren, children, nieces and nephews to continue learning throughout their lives. He gave all of the young people in his life the opportunity to learn life skills which included everything from balancing a checkbook to developing plumbing, electrical, and construction skills. He lived by example graduating from Coyne Technical College later in life and continued to grow in his experience becoming a Master Electrician. Throughout his life, Larry also enjoyed travel. He visited Germany with his wife Mary Ann and dear friend Charles DeLisle. He also traveled to countless locations within the United States. Mount Zion, UT and the Redwood National Forest in California were the two locations most inspiring to Larry where he took countless pictures of the landscape.

Due to COVID 19 concerns, services will be private. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery, 3100 Thatcher Ave., River Grove, IL 60171. For information please call 847-685-1002 or visit www.cooneyfuneralhome.com 

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