Melvin Bateman

Tonto Basin resident, Melvin Robert Bateman, 79, passed away Monday, August 11, 2025, at the Hospice Compassus facility, in Payson, Arizona. His passing was after a hard fought battle with cancer.

Mel, the son of Lonnie and Mildred (Self) Bateman, was born February 4, 1946, in Maud, Oklahoma. He was a Sprinkler Fitter for 58 years and a loyal member of the National Automatic Sprinkler Industry, Local 669. Before and after his retirement, Mel’s favorite past-times were hunting, fishing, camping and, of course, family get-togethers.

Mel was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Shirley Smith, and brothers, Wendell Bateman and Richard Bateman.

Mel is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gail; a son, Robert Bateman (Jennifer), of Peoria, AZ; grandson Jacob (Tori) of Littleton, CO; granddaughter Jacey (Silas) of Bayfield, CO; two great-granddaughters (Eliza and Claire); one brother, Johnny Bateman, Shawnee, OK; and many other family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the future. Cremation services are under the direction of Messenger Funeral Home in Payson, AZ.