Emory Bateson Obituary

Emory Park Bateson, Jr.

Nov 5, 1943 - Aug 26, 2025

New London

Emory Park Bateson Jr., 81, of New London, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at home. He was born November 5, 1943, to Emory Park Bateson Sr. and Freda Kohrn Meyer Bateson at Community Hospital in Bowling Green, Ohio. He graduated from Otsego High School in Tontogany, in 1961.

After high school, Emory attended Bluffton College, then graduated from Findlay College in 1965. Emory taught social studies at St. Richard's Junior High and Vanlue Local Schools, and then came to New London, where he taught Special Education for over 30 years. He touched the lives of many children. While at Vanlue, Emory directed several plays and musicals. His passion was coaching JV baseball at New London for approximately 15 years.

Emory was very active in his community throughout his life. He was a member of New London United Methodist Church, where he was a Sunday School Teacher for many years. He spent countless summers as a baseball umpire and as a scorekeeper for hundreds of softball tournaments, and took tickets for many New London High School sporting events. Emory was a member of New London Park Board for nearly 30 years, where he was always seen at New London Labor Day Festival. Emory was a member of Fitchville Dart Ball Team for over 30 years. He loved Detroit professional sports teams and The Ohio State Buckeyes, where he would be seen at home yelling at his TV for countless hours. Emory had a love for Christmas, where his tree would stand for months (even years) after the holidays. He loved spending time with his family and grandchildren while attending their events.

Emory is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jennifer Lynn Werner Bateson; children Elizabeth (Michael) Zellner, Amanda Bateson, Lana (late John) Bateson Benci, Park (Alicia) Bateson, sibling Norma Roberts, grand children, Kory (Maci) Benci, Sophia Lewis-Bateson, Milo Lewis-Bateson, Xavier Lewis-Bateson, Scarlett Lewis-Bateson, Rachel Zellner, and Abigail Zellner; along with many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Emory Park Bateson Sr. and Freda Kohrn Meyer Bateson; siblings, Delores Price, Meredith Springer, Anna Jane Titus, and Emelie Taylor.

Visiting hours are from 1-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Eastman Funeral Home, 200 W. Main St., New London. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, August 29, 2025, at New London United Methodist Church, 58 E Main Street, New London, with a viewing from 10-11 a.m. A lunch will be served after the service.

Donations may be given to United Methodist Church and New London Recreational Park.