Harvey Bateman, 87, of Michigan City, Indiana, passed away Friday, Jan. 8, 2016, in his home. Funeral services at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City, with Pastor Jack Andrews officiating. Burial in St. Stanislaus Cemetery.

He was born March 17, 1928, in Olney, Illinois, to the late Lee and Vera (Berry) Bateman. On March 21, 1953, in Michigan City, he married Virginia "Jean" Shebel, who preceded him in death on Aug. 9, 2007.

Surviving are daughter Judy (Lee) Schwinkendorf of Michigan City; son Gary Bateman of Michigan City; grandson Joshua (Erika) Schwinkendorf; brother John (Julie) Bateman; brother-in-law James (Clara) Shebel; special daughter-in-law Juli-Ann Bateman; very special family Gail Malwin and Susan Krueger; special friends Jean Steck, Gloria "Red" Arceri and Jan Mitchell; and his beloved dog and companion MAX.

He was also preceded in death by his sister Virginia Miller; brother Robert Bateman; and brother-in-law Jim Miller.

He worked several years as a draftsman for Pullman Standard an then Sullair, from where he retired. After his retirement, he embraced his passion of writing and wrote two novels. The first novel Silkwin's Edge was published several years later in 2010. A sequel to the first novel Silkwin's Quest was published in 2015. Both novels were dedicated to his wife Virginia. "You're probably wondering why a guy like me in his early eighties wrote a novel, My resounding answer is – Why Not!" – Harvey Bateman.

Harvey was a wonderful and caring husband, father and grandfather. Everyone he met couldn't help but like him. He was witty and had a sense of humor. He was very compassionate and loved animals. He was a dream pusher, an out-of-the-box kind of guy, who was very creative and not afraid of challenges. He designed his own home. His charm and strong will served him well. Family was the most important thing in his life and family game nights playing password brought much joy and put a smile on his face. A few of his favorite things were: coffee, Pepsi and cheese (life's necessities).

He loved sitting outside in the sun later in his life, especially when he faced many physical challenges which brought special friend "Red" into his life, who he called his guardian angel. Harvey was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean Conflict.

La Porte County Herald-Argus, The (IN) - Monday, January 11, 2016