John Roger Bateman

September 21, 1927 - July 29, 2025

John 'Roger' Bateman, a devoted family man, lover of animals, friend to many, Navy pilot, successful entrepreneur, civic leader, and proud longtime resident of Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away at the age of 97.

Born in Medford, Oregon, Roger overcame early physical challenges, including scarlet fever and polio. He was a standout student, graduating high school at 16, winning a competitive college scholarship, and eventually earning degrees from the University of California, Berkeley, along with an MBA. He was smart, driven, and unafraid to forge his own path.

In the midst of World War II, Roger volunteered for the US Navy, where he trained as a naval aviator in Corpus Christi and flew PBM seaplanes in the Pacific. He survived a crash in Saipan, a forced landing in Hong Kong Harbor, and a violent mid-ocean storm, all before the age of 21. He earned his wings, his commission, and developed a lifelong sense of duty, continuing to serve in the Naval Reserve for eight years after the war.

His post-war life was no less extraordinary. Roger became CFO of Coastal States Gas Producing Company at the age of 30, helping steer the company through a period of explosive growth on the New York Stock Exchange. Later, he founded Bateman Investments, where he successfully led ventures in over two dozen companies, taking calculated risks and achieving major wins. He was fearless in business, intellectually curious, and uncommonly savvy.

Roger was also avid pilot, owning his own plane and flying for more than four decades, including World War II aircraft as a Colonel in the Commemorative Air Force. He traveled to over 100 countries, camped in the Gobi Desert, and was among the first American tourists to enter post-Nixon China and the Soviet Union.

Beyond his personal achievements, Roger gave generously of his time and resources. He led fundraising campaigns for the United Way, the YWCA, and local churches. He chaired the Texas State Board of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, securing landmark funding to shift care from institutions to communities. He championed diversity in hiring and brought Hispanic leadership into civic life well before it was common.

Roger Bateman lived boldly, thought deeply, gave freely, and loved fiercely. He leaves behind family, friends, and a legacy of leadership, vision, and grit. He is survived by his son, David Bateman; daughters, Sally (Howard) Baulch and Susan (Blair) Hoch. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Seaside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 2025