Elvin Bateman Obituary

Elvin Don (Donn) Bateman, age 90, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 21, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas.
Donn was born on November 24, 1934, to Elvin Bateman and Dona Palmer Bateman in Dallas, Texas. In 1952, Donn graduated from Galena Park High School. In 1956, he graduated with a BS in Music from Sam Houston College (now SHSU). His first job was as an assistant to the band director at the University of Houston, where he first met Doris, who was to be his wife. His first band director job was at Sam Houston High, then later, Waltrip High School in Houston. Donn married the love of his life, Doris Anne Swiler, on July 20, 1958. She was a professional pianist and long-time piano teacher. Their love of each other and music played throughout their careers and 63 years of marriage before Doris passed away. Donn obtained his MS in Music from Sam Houston College in 1964. In 1979, he and Doris started their own music store, Bateman Music Studios, where they taught music and sold musical instruments in their local community. In addition to high school band directing and running the music store, Donn performed professionally at many Houston area restaurants and events such as weddings, private parties, grand openings, and funerals. Donn could be heard many nights at Mark's Supper Club in Houston, where several loyal customers danced the night away to his enchanting music. He also formed his trio, The Riverboat Gamblers, who performed their own classy versions of various Louisiana riverboat hits. He retired from teaching in school in 1981 and eventually closed the music store in 1993. Donn could play and teach almost any instrument, but his favorite was his soprano sax.
Donn was a great people person with an oversized sense of humor. He could talk until the cows came home. He loved conversation and laughter with his music. Donn and Doris's love of music had a profound impact on their children and extended family, several of whom also perform professionally. Donn spent much of his free time with Doris on their sailboat. They could be found sailing in and around Clear Lake, Kemah, and Galveston Bay relaxed and content on any given Sunday and holidays with his beloved family.
Donn was predeceased by his parents, Elvin Bateman and Dona Palmer Bateman. In addition to his parents, Don was predeceased by his wife, Doris Bateman, brother, Harley Bateman, and his sister, Violet Schrader.
Survivors include his three sons, Donald Charles Bateman, David Elvin Bateman, Darrell James Bateman, and his wife, Cheryl Bateman; his daughter, Denise Beheler and husband, Mike. Survivors also include his grandchildren Joshua Martinez, Nick Bateman and fiancé Malana Goings, Lucas Bateman, Victoria (Tori) Bateman, and great-grandson Grayson Dean Bateman.
A private family memorial to celebrate Donn's life will be held at a later date. May Donn Bateman rest in peace, and may his family find strength and solace in his loving memories.
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