Frank A. Bateson

Frank A. Bateson Empire, Michigan Formerly of Bay City, Michigan Mr. Bateson passed way unexpectedly Thursday, August 11, 2016 at Munson Health Care in Traverse City, MI. Age 79 years. The son of the late George (Jack) Bateson and Gladys (Coleman) Bateson was born May 16, 1937 in Bay City. He was the former co-owner and president of Valley Industrial Products before his retirement. He enjoyed singing with Barber Shop Quartet-Saginaw Bay Chorus and held many office positions within the group. Mr. Bateson sang with the quartet group, The Eversharps, whom preformed in several competitions. He also sang with the Central Michigan Barber Shop Quartet. Mr. Bateson had a passion for cars and any building project to beautify his home. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserves. Left behind to cherish his memories are one daughter, Deborah Bateson; one son, Frank "Rick" Bateson; his daughter-in-law, Lori Bateson; his grandchildren, Scott Skrzypczak; Kennedie Bateson; Lacy (Brandon) Bosacker; William "B.J" (Tiffany Justice) Bateson Jr.; Beau Bateson and Mallory Arbour; two great grandchildren, William T. Bateson III and Abel M. Bateson; his sister, Janice "Sissy" (Dennis) Curtice; his nieces and nephew, Dana (Scott) Stenstrom; Stacy Lanphier; Bonnie Dowling; George Bateson Jr.; Autumn (Keith) Johnson; several great nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sons, William T. "Bill" Bateson and Robert "Scotty" Bateson; one brother, George Bateson. Funeral Services will take place Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Officiating will be Sr. Joann Plumpe, O.P. with interment following in Oak Ridge Cemetery. The family will be present at the funeral home on Monday to receive family and friends from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider donations to the Michigan Heart Association or Gift of Life to which Mr. Bateson was a Donor. www.gephartfuneralhome.com