Edward M Bateman
EM2 U.S. Navy
Sep 1949-May 1953
Edward Merrill Bateman was born 5 July 1932 at Bristol, FL. On 9 September 1949 he entered active duty with the United States Navy, trained as an Electrician’s Mate and was assigned to the seaplane tender USS Gardeners Bay (AVP-39) in April 1950 until December 1952, serving three Korean War tours with the ship and rising to the rank of Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class. While on leave in May/June 1951 Ed became engaged to Jacquelyn Sumner, also of Bristol, FL, and they married the following year, during another leave, on 15 June 1952. Since Edward’s term of service would end prior to AVP-39’s next trip to the USA, in January 1953 Ed was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) as it was sent back stateside for decommissioning and later receiving an angled deck. Upon arrival in California Ed was assigned to NAS Moffett Field until being sent to Naval Station Treasure Island for mustering out of service on 12 May 1953.
Medals earned: Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service with 3 stars, Navy Occupation, and China Service.
After leaving service, Ed attended John Brown University in Arkansas from 1953 to 1956 to obtain Bachelor Degrees in Science, Religious Education and Social Studies. From 1956 to 1960, and returning in 1974, Ed attended Dallas Theological Seminary in Texas and attained his Master of Theology Degree. In 1960 Ed was ordained to the ministry by the Lake Baptist Church in Bristol, FL. Over the years since his ordination Ed has served around the country in ministry and pastoring churches, his last one being Faith Bible Church in Robins, IA from January 1974 to June 1995 when he retired. During this time, Ed and Jacquelyn raised 3 sons and a daughter. In 1997 Ed and “Jackie” moved to North Liberty, IA and Ed continued in his calling as a volunteer in prison ministry.
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