John Henry Bateson, 94, passed from this life on September 19, 2025, at his home in Perkins, OK. Visitation will be held Monday, September 22, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 pm at Strode Funeral Home. Family will greet friends during this time. Funeral services will begin on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 10:00 am, at the Strode Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Roger Lane and Pastor Paul Dawson to officiate. Burial will follow at the Perkins Cemetery in Perkins, Oklahoma. Arrangements are under the direction of Strode Funeral Home and Cremations, 610 S. Duncan Street, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74074.

Born on May 28, 1931, in the rural area between Perkins and Tryon to George and Tillie (Hagar) Bateson. In 1952, John was drafted into the Army, serving in the 65th Ordnance Ammunition Company, where his education continued learning to become a mechanic. He was honorably discharged to the Army Reserve, where he served until 1960. After his discharge from the Army, John began his career as a mechanic with Simpson Pontiac for 27 years. He was also employed for 11 years at OSU Motor Pool.

On February 8, 1955, John married Imogene Harting. Together they raised three sons, Dale, Dean and David Bateson. After Imogene's death in 1984, John met Darlene Meek, and they had a 20+ year commitment to each other. They spent a lot time traveling to Branson, Missouri, and even visited Australia. John was a man whose life was marked by an unwavering commitment to his loved ones. But, most of all he enjoyed family time with his sons, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He will be remembered as a loving father, loving grandpa and a friendly neighbor.

John was preceded in death by his parents George and Tillie Bateson; wife Imogene Bateson; son Dean Bateson; his siblings Annabell Pennington, Pauline Harting, Waneta Bateson, Bonnie Bowden, Leon Bateson, Gary Bateson and Richard Bateson. He is survived by one sister Janell (Bob) Punches, his children Dale (Patsy) Bateson, David (Diana) Bateson, and daughter-in-law Amanda Bateson. Grandchildren Curtis (Tyanna) Bateson, Allen Bateson, Chris (Liz) Bateson, Amanda (Larry) Butler, Kevin (Diane) Bateson, Mikel (Savannah) Bateson, Jennifer (Travis) Weaver, 10 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews who loved him dearly, and many friends who will forever cherish his memory.

John will be remembered for his beautiful flowers and well-kept yard. He enjoyed farming and having cattle, gardening - both flowers and vegetables. He taught by example to be a hard worker and a good friend. Many have commented that John was one of the good ones.

Pallbearers are Chris Bateson, Kevin Bateson, Mikel Bateson, Travis Weaver, Travis Hopkins and Brock Bateson. Honorary pallbearers are Curtis Bateson, Allen Bateson and Larry Butler.

The family would like to thank Drumright Regional Hospital and their staff for the excellent care during the last month of John's life.

Condolences may be emailed to the family and an online obituary may be viewed by visiting www.strodefh.com .