Fred W. Bateman

Fred W. Bateman (September 18, 1916 – January 10, 1999) was a Newport News Circuit Court judge and a Democratic member of the Senate of Virginia in the 1960s.

Early life and education Bateman was a native of Roper, North Carolina, and a graduate of Wake Forest University and the law school at the University of North Carolina. He joined the U.S. Navy as a commissioned officer after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Bateman served as a line officer on ships in the South Pacific throughout World War II.

Legal and political career At the conclusion of the war, Bateman moved to Richmond, Virginia, in 1947 and then, in 1952, to Warwick County (which later became Newport News). He practiced law the firm of Newman, Allaun and Downing.

Bateman was elected to the Senate from the 31st Senatorial District in 1959, and after redistricting, from the 30th District, serving until 1968. He was a member of the Senate Finance, Courts of Justice, and Transportation Committees.

In 1981, Bateman was elected by the legislature to be a judge of the Newport News Circuit Court. He retired at the age of 72, but he continued to serve as a substitute judge for many years.

Bateman died on January 10, 1999, and the Virginia General Assembly passed Senate Joint Resolution Number 564 (1999) honoring his service and acknowledging his death.