Michael Curtis "Mike" Bateman

Memorial services celebrating the life of Mr. Michael Bateman will begin at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at Midway Baptist Church, with Rev. Michael Pogue officiating. The family will receive guests from 10:30 until 11:15 prior to the services at the church. A  graveside service with military honors will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026 at the Mississippi Veteran's Memorial Cemetery in Newton. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Mr. Bateman, 80, of Meridian died on October 17, 2026 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Mike was born in Meridian, Mississippi to the late Curtis A. and Gertie Bea Hemphill Bateman. He graduated from Meridian High School in 1964 and attended Meridian Community College. While attending Meridian Community College, he passed a United States Marine Corps sign that asked the question: "What are you doing here?" This question caused him to feel a desire to join the United States Marine Corps - despite his mother's disdain. After he was discharged from the United States Marine Corps, he joined the Mississippi Air National Guard, retiring after 36 years of faithful service. If one was to ask Mike's friends and family about him, they would tell you that he was a man of honesty, integrity, and courage who was always willing to stand up for what was right - even if it hurt your feelings.

All of his life, he was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, especially fishing for sharks. He also enjoyed boating and canoeing and vacationing with his family. Mike could always be found with a cup of coffee in his hands.  He was a member of Midway Baptist Church and served on the church's security team for 22 years.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Faye Elizabeth Grace Bateman; their children, Stacy Bateman Leininger (Robert) and C. Hunter Bateman; grandchildren, Sean Bittick, Joseph Bittick, Michael Bittick (Ayla), and James Bateman (Summer); great-grandchildren, Addison and Charlie Bittick and Alfred and Wesley Leininger; and numerous other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Joan Wansley; parents-in-law, Pauline and Marzine "Mutt" Grace; and his brother-in-law, Paul Grace.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in Mr. Bateman's memory be made to the Baptist Children's Village and/or to Midway Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.robertbarhamffh.com.