Donald C. Bateson

LOGAN, UTAH - Donald C. Bateson, 86, passed from this earthly existence at his home on 11 April 2009 into the loving arms of the God who gave him life. His wit and mind still sharp, his mortal body finally succumbed to the incidents of a long and active life.
Don was born in Logan, on 31 January 1923, to Arthur Grant and Ella Carter Bateson. He was educated in the Logan School District beginning at Woodruff Elementary School. He then attended Logan Junior High and graduated from Logan High School in 1941.
Utah State Agricultural College in Logan (later to become Utah State University—USU) was his next educational stop. While attending USAC, Don joined Sigma Chi Fraternity, strengthening many old friendships while forging new ones. He was a supporter of many activities associated with USU through the ensuing years. He and his wife were inaugural members of the Old Main Society at Utah State University.
Some of Don’s fondest memories included growing up in the Logan 1st Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where many of the friendships that have lasted a lifetime began.
The most important friendship he fostered during those days was the “girl next door” who became more and more interesting over the years. LaVenia Pedersen finally came into focus and they began dating. Don married LaVenia (known by friends and family as “Babe”) for time and all eternity in the Logan LDS Temple on 30 December 1943. From that union came four children, LaDawn, Bobette, Jeff, and John.
Don’s love for travel was born early in his youth while active in the Boy Scouts of America. He attended the National Scout Jamboree held in the nation’s capitol in 1937. He traveled across the country by train and saw Chicago, New York, and Boston along with many other points of interest on the way to the jamboree and numerous sights in Washington, D.C.
Be it to Yellowstone Park or a cruise to Panama, at the merest of suggestion of a trip, Don was always ready to go. He traveled the world and enjoyed many of its beauties, his favorite locale being the Tetons in Wyoming.
He enjoyed music and played the coronet in the Logan High School band. He was enamored with the big band sound of the 30’s and 40’s and it was the only music he truly loved to his dying day. His dream was to someday become a “Big Band” leader like Glen Miller. He often said of himself, “I’ve now become BIG (referring to his girth)…all I need now is a band to lead!”
Don joined the ROTC program at Logan High School, a decision he often remarked as one of the better ones he made in his life. From that association, he joined the Utah National Guard and then went on to a commission in United States Air Force. During World War II (immediately after his marriage to Babe in 1943), Don served in the Indo-China Theater, much of that time in India. At the end of the war he remained in the USAF Reserve Forces and achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel before retiring.
After the war, Don joined the family business, Central Auto Parts, with his father and brother, Dix. Through the years he became the sole owner and it provided a good living for him and his family.
Don loved to play golf. He joined the Logan Golf and Country Club early in life and served on the board of directors for a time. Golf was his most pleasurable avocation. He loved playing with friends (who were numerous!), his children and even grandchildren—usually beating them all.
He served the community well with active support and participation with the Red Cross, Cache Chamber of Commerce, and Cache Valley Mental Health Association. He was a member of the Rotary Club for 28 years.
More than any other aspect of his life, Don held dear his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and his membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He lived a life that testified to that fact. He was a kind, caring man filled with charity and forgiveness of others. Don faithfully fulfilled his duties and responsibilities in many callings in the Church. In addition, Don was a temple officiator for 22 years, a calling he treasured greatly.
He was preceded in death by his dear sweet wife Babe, who passed in 1997, his parents, his brother Dix, and two brothers that died in infancy.
Don is survived by his children LaDawn Broberg (Thomas J.) of North Salt Lake, UT; Bobette Couch (Robert M.) of Norcross, GA; Jeffrey C. Bateson (Mona W.) of North Salt Lake, UT; and John K. Bateson of Logan, UT; 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Friday, April 17, at 12:00 noon at the Hillcrest 2nd Ward, 875 N 1500 E, Logan, UT. The family will be welcoming friends for a viewing at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 E Center, Logan, UT on Thursday, April 16, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and 10:30 am to 11:45 am at the Hillcrest 2nd Ward chapel prior to services. Burial will be in the Logan Cemetery. Condolences and thoughts may be expressed to the family online at www.allenmortuaries.net .