Emory Park Bateson, Jr, 81, of New London, passed away unexpectedly on August 26, 2025 at home.  He was born on November 5, 1943, to the late Emory Park Bateson, SR, and Freda Kohrn Meyer Bateson at Community Hospital in Bowling Green, Ohio.  He graduated from Otsego High School in Tontogany, Ohio in 1961.

After high school, Emory attended Bluffton College then graduated from Findley College in 1965.  Emory taught social studies at St. Richards Junior High and Vanlue Local Schools, than came to New London where he taught Special Education for over 30 years where he touched the lives of many children.  While at Vanlue, Emory directed several plays and musicals.   His passion was coaching JV baseball at New London for approximately 15 years.

Emory was very active in his community throughout his life.  He was a member of the New London United Methodist Church, where he was a Sunday School Teacher for many years.  He spent countless summers as a baseball umpire, as a score keeper for hundreds of softball tournaments, and took tickets for many New London High School sporting events.  Emory was a member of the New London Park Board for nearly 30 years, where he would always be seen at the New London Labor Day Festival.  Emory was a member of the Fitchville Dart Ball Team for over 30 years.  He loved the Detroit professional sports teams and Ohio State Buckeyes, where he would be seen at home yelling at his TV for countless hours.  Emory had a love for Christmas, where his tree would stand for months (even years) after the holidays.  He loved spending time with his family and grandchildren while attending their events.

Emory is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jennifer Lynn Werner Bateson, children Elizabeth (Michael) Zellner, Amanda Bateson, Lana (late John) Bateson Benci, Park (Alicia) Bateson, sibling Norma Roberts, grand children Kory (Maci) Benci, Sophia Lewis-Bateson, Milo Lewis-Bateson, Xavier Lewis-Bateson, Scarlett Lewis-Bateson, Rachel Zellner, and Abigail Zellner along with many nieces and nephews.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Emory Park Bateson, Sr, Freda Kohrn Meyer Bateson, siblings Delores Price, Meredith Springer, Anna Jane Titus, and Emelie Taylor.

Visiting hours are at Eastman Funeral Home, 200 W. Main St., New London, Ohio, on Thursday August 28, 2025, from 1-3 PM and 5-8 PM.  Services will be held on Friday, August 29, at the New London United Methodist Church, 58 E Main Street, New London, with a viewing from 10-11 AM and his funeral service beginning at 11:00 AM. There will be a lunch served after the service.   Donations may be given to the United Methodist Church and New London Recreational Park.

New London United Methodist Church
58 East Main Street, New London OH 44851

New London Recreation Park
C/O New London Village Hall 115 E Main St., New London OH 44851