Gerald “Jerry” Bateman of Hermiston passed away in Hermiston on Aug. 31, 2020 at the age of 73.
He was born on Aug. 11, 1947 in Tillamook to Irvine and Margaret Ewan Bateman.
As a child, Jerry moved with his family to Brookings, where he grew up and attended school. He graduated from Brookings High School in the class of 1965. After high school, Jerry was drafted into the Army and served two years during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge he returned to the Southern Oregon coast, where he worked in the woods for several years. He moved to Eastern Oregon in the mid-1970s, where he had resided since. He lived in the Hermiston community for over 30 years.
Jerry worked for Pendleton Grain Growers (PGG) for over 30 years in many positions. He retired three years ago.
Jerry loved hunting deer and elk and tinkering in his shop after deer and elk seasons were over. He was an avid reader and especially enjoyed Louis L’Amour books. He had a special way of recalling events and was a good teller of stories. He was always willing to help a friend or neighbor. He enjoyed going to his friend Bill’s cabin in Albee and working with Darwin Hodges on his ranch, moving livestock and doing repairs.
Jerry married Sherry Norvelle at McNary on June 16, 1984.
He is survived by wife, Sherry; daughter, Shiloh (James) Jones and children, Savannah, Rowan and Sophie; daughter, Poppy (Ray) Plowman and children, Kelsea and Linus; son, Austin (Candice) Fertterer and son, Nathan and great granddaughter, Kylie; daughter, Dusty Fertterer; daughter, Michelle (Mikie) Geagel and children, Samantha, Dakota, Grayce and Sierra; brother, John
(Joann) Bateman; sister, Barbara (Darryl) Niemi; sister, Nancy Cook; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Linda.
A celebration of life will be held at the family home (31437 Medvill Court, Hermiston) at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2020.
To leave an online condolence for the family, please go to burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
