Randy J. Bateman

Randy J. Bateman, 63, of Murphysboro, passed away at 12:15 a.m. Monday, January 16, 2017, at his residence in Murphysboro. Randy was born on December 7, 1953, in Murphysboro, to Paul Bateman and Mary Ann (Clough) Bateman. He was a pipefitter at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and a member of the Plumber and Pipefitter's Local # 160. Mr. Bateman was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church and a member of the Elk's Lodge, both of Murphysboro. He was a member of the United States Auto Club, and had raced with them for thirty two years in the Silver Crown Champ Car Division. Racing was his whole life. Randy married Patty Golliher on October 11, 2003, in Murphysboro and she survives. He is also survived by his dog Chance and his cat Princess; one brother Mark Bateman and his wife Julie Bateman of East Alton, IL; one sister Mary Lynn Eaton of Willisville; five nieces and nephews Connelly Ray Eaton, Joshua Eaton, Bradley Eaton, Casey Campbell, and Amanda Laughlin; several great nieces and great nephews; his mother and father in law Mary Jane and Jim Rees of Murphysboro; one sister in law Pam Allen and her husband Steve Allen of Lexington, KY; two brother in laws Dean Golliher and his wife Janet Golliher of Anna, IL and Bill Golliher of Grand Tower, IL; two nieces Megan Allen Teeters and her husband Brent Teeters of Myrtle Beach, SC and Kirsten Allen of Denver, CO; his racing team--The B Team--Jimmy Craig and his wife Linda Craig, Roger Cravens, Alex Shanks and his wife Jaye Shanks, Chuck Walker and his wife Natalie Walker, Wade Seiler and his wife Jamie Seiler, Dave Whisler and his wife Pam Whisler, Gary Cravens and his wife Gloria Cravens, Ivan "Jumbo" Cravens and his wife Sue Cravens, Casey Shuman and his wife Brooke Shuman, Chris Wheeler and his wife Rachel Wheeler, John Payne and his wife Sherry Payne, and his brother and sister in law Mark and Julie; and hundreds of friends. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and half brother James Paul Bateman. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 19, 2017, at St. Andrew Catholic Church with Father Gary Gummersheimer officiating and burial at Murdale Gardens of Memory. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and until 9:45 a.m. Thursday at Pettett Funeral Home. The family would prefer memorials to the USAC Benevolent Foundation. Memorials may be made at the funeral home or online at the Give | USAC Benevolent Foundation or mailed to USAC Benevolent Foundation, 124 E. Northfield Drive, Suite F # 129, Brownsburg, IN 46112. For more information, please visit www.pettettfuneralhome.com.

Randy J. Bateman

December 7, 1953 - January 16, 2017