Alphalus Bateman Obituary (1929 - 2024)

Alphalus Harold Bateman (1929-2024) On a recent clear November evening, the Salt Lake skyline shone one light dimmer as Alphalus Harold Bateman passed from this life. Alph’s light brought smiles and joy to family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and patients and will be missed by all until it shines again in the resurrection. Alph was born to Harold and Charlotte Bateman in Beaver Dam, Utah on February 26, 1929 and spent his childhood in the Cache Vally. While attending Utah State Agricultural College, Alph was active in ROTC, where he served as the commanding officer and drill master of the sponsor corps. He was also a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, the Pershing Rifles, and the Aggie varsity tennis team. On receiving his Bachelor of Science degree and his Air Force commission, Alph left for Cleveland with his wife, the former Elizabeth Barber, and daughter, Rebecca, and entered dental school at Western Reserve University. A second daughter, Jill, was born soon thereafter. Studying dentistry by day, Alph took the Cleveland’s mean streets by night as a cab driver to support his young family. Following his graduation from dental school in 1955, Dr. Bateman was stationed with his family in Japan where he served a successful three-year tour of duty. During his time overseas, he became a father again, this time to a son, Alan, and was promoted to captain. Returning stateside, Alph and family settled in Ogden, where he established a successful dental practice and remained in the Air Force reserves. As a dentist, Dr. Bateman served as president of the Ogden Medical Center on 25th Street. Over a decades-long career, he kept his patients’ teeth healthy and their spirits high. He was honored to be promoted to a “full bird” colonel in the United States Air Force Dental Corps. He took even more pride in this distinction than in his accomplishments as a dentist. Alph’s life changed dramatically when he and Elizabeth divorced. He later married Marilyn Brockbank in 1967. His union with Marily brought him to Salt Lake City, but he maintained his Ogden practice. Alph’s love of tennis and golf started at an early age and stayed with him throughout his life. Tennis was his favorite sport, and he excelled at it, winning city and community singles and doubles tournaments in the ‘70s and ‘80s. He and Marilyn, who took up the game and became an accomplished player in her own right, often travelled to Palm Springs to play together in tournaments. In his later years, Alph loved to tell the story of how he improved his tennis game by developing a two-handed backhand. A rival player once told Alph he’d never beat him because his backhand was too weak. Fueled by competition, Alph worked tirelessly on his backhand and not only developed a more powerful stroke but used it to soundly and regularly beat his foes. Alph’s love for golf grew as he advanced in years. He could often be found playing with friends at the University of Utah Golf Course. When he could no longer swing a club, he spent hours a week following the PGA Tour and watching the Golf Channel. As the father of three, stepfather of three, grandfather of 14, step-grandfather of 10, great-grandfather of 35, and step great-grandfather of 29, Alph was beloved by his family. His sense of humor and upbeat personality are remembered fondly, as are the legendary Christmas parties he hosted with Marilyn. His grandkids loved celebrating with him on birthdays and spending time with him and Marilyn at the couple’s beautiful home in Salt Lake. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Alph attended church at the Crestview Ward with Marilyn. His family is eternally grateful for the selfless and loving service his neighbor Guy Wankier has provided in recent years. The family also wishes to thank Suncrest Hospice for their outstanding service. Alph leaves behind his brother, George; his daughter, Jill B. Dickson; his daughter-in-law, Kim Bateman; his stepdaughter, Lauri Franks (Herm); his stepsons, L. Wynn Tate (Chris) and Troy L. Tate (Laura); his grand- and great-grandchildren; and his step grand- and great-grandchildren. He’s preceded in death by his parents; his brother, John Bateman; his wife; his daughter, Rebecca Hussey; his son, Alan Bateman; his son-in-law, George Dickson, who cared for him in his later years; and his step great-grandson, Hayes Kyle Tate. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 30 at noon at the Crestview Ward Chapel (2795 East Crestview Drive), with a viewing before the funeral at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be immediately following the funeral services at the Wasatch Lawn Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at jenkins-soffe.com