2021 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 4
BY SENATOR FOIL
A RESOLUTION
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
death of Thomas Bert Bateman.
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the Senate of the
Legislature of Louisiana has learned of the passing of a great gentleman and family
patriarch, Thomas Bert Bateman, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on January 10, 2021, at the age
of eighty-eight years; and
WHEREAS, Tom Bateman was born in Mobile, Alabama, on August 1, 1932, to
Thomas McCauley Bateman and Roberta Magee Bateman; and
WHEREAS, as a young man, Tom served his country proudly as a United States
Marine and was a combat veteran of the Korean Conflict; and
WHEREAS, after his valiant service, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from
Louisiana State University and a Master of Business Administration from Centenary College
of Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, Tom pursued a successful banking career and, among other
accomplishments, was instrumental in the building of the new Bank of Jackson in Jackson,
Louisiana, and served as president of the First National Bank of Mansfield and the Britton
& Koontz National bank in Natchez, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, his career culminated with a high level position with the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), from which he retired after many years of hard work
and dedicated service to the financial community; and
WHEREAS, Tom was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church, serving as a
lay reader and usher; and
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WHEREAS, he was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon "Dekes" Alumni
Association, where he continued to advance that fraternity's tradition of "producing
outstanding gentlemen, leaders, and jolly good fellows"; and
WHEREAS, he was an active member of the Marine Corps League, contributing to
that organization's mission of promoting the interests and preserving the traditions of the
United States Marine Corps, strengthening the fraternity of Marines and their families,
serving all those who wear or have worn the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, and fostering the
ideals of Americanism and patriotic volunteerism; and
WHEREAS, Tom is remembered as a lovely person and good friend, with a quick
wit and generous smile, who was devoted to his family and loved them selflessly; and
WHEREAS, he was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who
is survived by his loving wife of fifty-eight years, Berry Graham Bateman; his daughter,
Graham Bateman Ohmstede (Axel); and son, Thomas McCauley Bateman II (Sandra); his
grandchildren, Katherine Elizabeth Bateman, Mary Margaret Bateman, and Lindsey Victoria
Ohmstede; his brother, John H. Bateman (Sissy); his close cousin, Judge Frank Foil (Judy);
his brother-in-law, Mark Graham (Darlene); his nieces, Aimee Elise Bateman Lewis
(Holden) and Kristin Leigh Graham; and nephews, William Brian Magee Bateman (Wendy),
and Eric Michael Graham (Caroline); and his beloved companion dog, T-Man; and
WHEREAS, the memory of Tom Bateman will always remain in the hearts of his
family and friends, who will forever reap the benefits of his lifetime of achievement; and
WHEREAS, those who knew and loved him will continue to swell with pride when
they remember Tom Bateman as a positive force in his community; and
WHEREAS, Tom represented all that is good about Louisiana as a man with unique
gifts and a charitable spirit, and with his passing, Louisiana has lost one of its finest citizens,
who left an indelible mark on the lives of the many individuals whom he touched with his
truly inspiring qualities and generosity, and who is now terribly missed but will never be
forgotten.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby extend its sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family of Thomas Bert
Bateman upon the occasion of his death.
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana does
hereby express its appreciation for Tom Bateman's enduring contributions, which shall long
continue to be a source of deep honor for the city of Baton Rouge, the state of Louisiana, and
beyond, and does hereby pay tribute to his remarkable legacy, which shall live long in the
hearts of those who were touched by his humanity.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to
Berry Graham Bateman.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
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