Billy Bateson

Billy Bill Bateson Bill E. Bateson, 66, of Independence, Kansas passed away Sunday, May 15, 2011 at the Regal Estate. Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at the Zion Lutheran Church with Ron Oldenettel, officiating. Burial will follow in the Lutheran Cemetery under the direction of the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas. Visitation hours will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at the Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas. Memorial remembrances are suggested to the Zion Lutheran Church or AWOL. Billy Estes Bateson was born May 9, 1945 in Eureka, Kansas the son of Harley Estes Bateson and Wilma Brown Bateson. He grew up and graduated from Eureka High School in 1963. He received his Bachelors Degree in teaching in 1968 from Emporia State University and later his Masters Degree from Pittsburg State University. While teaching, he was involved in writing the state Industrial Arts curriculum for the State of Kansas. After 10 years of teaching Industrial Arts, he started Bill Bateson Roofing, a commercial and industrial roofing company. In 1965 he was united in marriage to Lydia Boren and they were later divorced. On May 17, 2008 he was united in marriage to Julie Gosnell and she survives at the home. Bill was an avid drag boat racer, achieving a world record in his class. He loved all motor sports. He was a member of NHRA Drag Racing, Chamber of Commerce and Main Street. He is survived by his wife Julie, two daughters, Melissa Hayden of Hillsboro, Texas, Miranda Bateson of Owasso, Oklahoma, one son, Matthew Bateson of Independence, Kansas and two granddaughters.