DUDLEY – Ellis F. “Cappy” Bateman, 88, returned home to his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 in the Overlook in Charlton after an illness.
He leaves his wife of 24 years, Nancy L. Bateman; a son, William Colwell of Providence, RI; his step-children, John Trainor (Kathleen) of Holden, Judith Russell (David) of Sandwich, Susan McCracken (Ralph) of Stuart FL, Elizabeth Little (Michael) of Shrewsbury; many close friends including Daniel Marcoux and Jody Phelps. He was preceded in death by his sister Alice Ray (Bateman) Chase.
He was born in Worcester on January 20, 1936 the son of Raymond L. “Bill” and Minnie E. (Ellis) Bateman and was a life long resident of Dudley. In his freshman year at Dudley Junior High School he was a member of the undefeated basketball team. He graduated from Bartlett High School in 1954.
He was a member of the Army Reserves for 9 years in the 1950’s and was recently awarded a Quilt of Honor by the Webster-Dudley Veteran’s Council.
Mr. Bateman in his teen years worked at Arthur Chabot’s gas station and also worked at Tony Chabot’s Chrysler-Plymouth Garage. He credited his style of business management with the lessons he learned from the Chabot family. He learned the electrical contracting business from his father. He owned and operated Bateman Electrical contractors, Webster Electric Supply and B & B Trading. His love of a bargain became the basis for his supply and trading businesses.
A born again Christian, Cappy had a deep and abiding faith in God. A disciplined and shrewd investor, he was able to help many people and churches with his philanthropy.
Cappy was a 50 plus year member of the Dudley Grange #163, a Master Mason for over 63 years of the Webster Lodge AF & AM, a Shriner’s International Member, and a life member of the Auburn-Webster Lodge of Elks #2118. He was the electrical and wiring inspector for the town of Dudley for 36 years before retiring in 2015.
He was a proud sponsor of Kevin Varnes racing team and a motorcycle racing circuit enthusiast. He made many friends including 4 time Grand National Champion Carrall Resweber.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 15, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM in Sitkowski, Malboeuf & Hickey Funeral Home, 340 School Street, Webster. A time of remembrance will take place at 11:00 AM Thursday in the funeral home, Senator Ryan Fattman will say a few words. Burial will take place in Corbin Cemetery with the Webster-Dudley Veterans Council performing the military honors. The family requests that flowers be kindly omitted and that memorial donations be made to the Dudley Grange #163, 139 Center Road, Dudley, MA 01571 or to the Webster Dudley Veterans Council, 4 Church Street, Webster, MA 01570.