Vernon Leroy Bateman,78, of Austin, Arkansas was born October 21, 1932 in Delight and went to be with his Lord on November 6, 2010 at the Veterans Hospital in Little Rock. He was a long time employee at Fuller and Son Hardware and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cyrus and Josie Bateman, daughter, Patricia Ann Vinyard and a sister, Dorothy Harrison.

He is survived by his companion of 30 years, Virginia Mitchell of Austin; son, Michael Bateman of Sheridan; Brothers, Donald Bateman, Clifton Bateman; sister, Joyce Minick; Grandchildren; Jason Vinyard of Little Rock, Josh Vinyard of Little Rock, Kristy and Phillip Nulty of Little Rock, Chad and Sara Bateman of Sheridan, Jennifer and Reese Lowery of Sheridan; 2 great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Monday, November 15, 2010 at Arkansas Veterans Cemetery, 1501 West Maryland Avenue in North Little Rock with Bro. George Yarberry officiating.