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A True Zonian Beginning...With the 1936 matrimonial union of a U.S. Army Private from North Carolina and a beautiful Registered Nurse from Panama, the rich heritage of the Bateman Family
was ready to begin. The coming decades would bring a wonderful life of love and prosperity for Bruce Sr. and Carlina in both Panama and the Canal Zone. They would be blessed in the raising of four wonderfully happy and close-knit siblings including eldest daughter Nancy and three brothers; Bruce Jr., Lewis, and John. The family and childhood memories created by the Batemans in the Canal Zone during the 40's, 50's 60's and 70's would ultimately serve as the foundation for new generations of the family to come. The close family bond, pride and character encouraged by Bruce and Carlina many years ago has been and will continue to be the absolute essence of the Bateman Family Heritage. |
A Happy Return to Panama...After graduation from BHS in 1958, the oldest Bateman boy, Bruce Jr., would enlist in the U.S. Air Force as well as marry his high school sweetheart, Diane Braswell. Stationed at their first military assignment in Washington D.C., the young couple would start their own family in 1960 by welcoming a son, Bruce III, to the world. Five years later while stationed in Alaska, they would grow their family with the addition of daughter, Caroline. With a military family life now in full swing, the start of the 70's decade would bring the fortuitous news of their first "overseas" assignment as a family. The destination of that overseas assignment, Howard A.F.B., Panama Canal Zone, was an absolute family gift. For siblings Bruce III and Caroline, this special return to their Father's childhood home would be the start of a life long love of their family heritage as well as Panama and the Canal Zone.
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Keeping the Zonian Life Alive & Well!Now residing in various areas of Florida and Texas, The current generation of Batemans continue to forge their family heritage based on character, closeness and respect for those generations before them. Now proud Grandparents, Bruce Jr. and Diane are currently enjoying their life as retirees in North Florida. Their two children, Bruce Bateman III and Caroline Bateman Sudhoff, both live close with families of their own. The youngest generation of Bateman Boys, Zachary Lewis and Jacob Dylan are already very aware of their Panama and Zonian roots and are regular inspirations for their Dad's creative efforts for the Zonian Life® enterprise. While other family members have sadly departed over the past several years, their loving memories and spirits remain alive and firmly rooted in Zonian Life's mission of tribute to the lives they lived in Panama and the Canal Zone. The current and future generations of Batemans will remain forever mindful of the blessings of their Zonian heritage and the resulting friendships from it. Like any and all Zonians, we love and respect the bond that we have and will always live the Zonian Life Loud!
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