Jack Bateman entered this world January 18, 1928 in Tianjin, China to John William Bateman and Liu Lan Ying (Benda). Jack's dad died when he was 3 years old, leaving behind an older brother Jimmy (John) and a younger sister Sally (Morgan). When Jack was 13 years old Japan invaded China, so he fled to the Philippines with his brother Jimmy, sister Sally, and missionary John Blalock. Soon after, they were captured and imprisoned by the Japanese for three years in Santo Tomas, Philippines. They were liberated from the prison camp in Feb of 1945 and then sailed to California. Soon after arriving, Jack came to faith and surrendered to the ministry. He moved to Jacksonville, Texas to attended Jacksonville Baptist College in 1947. There he met Emily LaTrell Johnson, whom he married June 27, 1950. After graduating, he then matriculated to Wayland Baptist College in Plainview, Texas and received a degree in Theology. He and LaTrell then moved, along with their two year old son John, to Taipei Taiwan in November 1953 as missionaries with the Baptist Missionary Association of America.They later had four more children, Paul, Mark, Ann and Bruce.
In the 38 years of ministry in Taiwan they established four churches in Taipei and helped Dale and Barbara Thornton in Taichung. Other ministries included a radio broadcast to mainland China and a mobile library on the back of a motorcycle. He also helped and mentored many missionaries new to the country in both culture and language. His home was always open for bible studies, youth groups and countless other activities. His ministries touched the lives of so many people who are now living and serving worldwide.
When they retired in 1990, Jack and LaTrell moved to Arlington, TX, where they then planted the Plano Chinese church in Plano Texas. He served as the pastor until he could no longer drive. He was at home with his family by his side when he entered the gates of heaven on January 08, 2021 at the age of 92.
He was preceded in death by LaTrell, his loving wife of 65 years; brother, Jimmy; son, Paul; and grandson, Thomas.
He is survived by son, John and wife, Kathy of Arlington, TX, daughter-in-law, Brenda of Arlington, TX, son, Mark of Arlington, TX, daughter, Ann and husband, Dan Toepperwein of San Antonio, TX and son, Bruce of Taipei, Taiwan; sister, Sally Morgan of Grand Prairie, TX and Micky and husband, Barry Shatkin of Arlington, TX; nine grandchildren, Emily, Jeffery, Shawna, Alisha, Channah, Caleb, Mathew, Maxwell and Crystal; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Known for his sense of humor, jokes, love for Chinese food and his love for family and friends. Jack Bateman will be missed by all.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. January 30, 2021 at Calvary Baptist Church of Arlington, TX.