Colonel Kent Cundick Bateman, USMC Retired

Colonel Kent Cundick Bateman, USMC Retired, 88, passed away peacefully July 21, 2021, at his home on the Neuse River in Craven County, North Carolina after a brief battle with cancer.

Kent, born December 8, 1932, in West Jordan, Utah, was the son of Ross Merwood Bateman and Myrtle Evelyn Cundick Bateman (Beckstead); brother of Bonnie, Deon, Verlaine, Kaye, Merlin, and Allen; and husband of 57 years of Dorothy Elaine Weiss, originally of Sugar City, Colorado.

After graduation from high school, Kent joined the Navy as a Midshipman on the USS Missouri. At the conclusion of his tour, he attended The University of Utah - Salt Lake City, graduating with a degree in Psychology in 1957.

Kent was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps in June of 1957, and he served over 28 years as a pilot, leader, and mentor. Kent’s career as Naval Aviator took him and his family across the USA allowing them to make lifetime friendships in Florida, Hawaii, North Carolina, Virginia, and Nebraska.

Kent was a decorated Pilot, specializing in the A4 and the A6A Intruder. He enjoyed flying and being the best leader he could be for his teams. He served his country overseas three times, twice during the Vietnam conflict, and again for 2 years in Japan.

Because of his leadership and dedication to duty, Kent was awarded many Medals, Decorations, and Citations including: The Navy Cross https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/4005 , Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross w/ 1 Star, Air Medal (23 Awards), Navy Commendations Medal w/V, Navy Achievement Medal w/V, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation w/ 1Star, National Defense Service Medal w/ 1 Star, and the Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Stars.

Kent was not one to talk about his military achievements - but he did often speak of the long-term relationships that resulted from the many Squadrons and Air Groups he worked in and led - often relating light-hearted stories about off-duty activities that helped them alleviate the stress of their daily jobs.

Kent and Dot retired from active duty in 1985 and moved to the Great Neck Point area on the Neuse River - the area that they had so enjoyed through the years. Kent expanded his carpentry skills to include housebuilding, and together they built their dream home facing the sunset across the river. Kent stayed active to the end, keeping busy with golf, gardening, kayaking, fishing, more building, renovating a 50’s era fishing boat, and brewing craft beer. His wit and wisdom were appreciated by all who met him and will be greatly missed. Semper Fi - Intruder1.

Kent is survived by his daughters, Jill René Bateman-Whitson (husband, Roger) of Snow Hill, NC and Robin G. Bateman of Havelock, NC; his brothers, Deon and Allen Bateman, and sister, Verlaine Fowlks all of Salt Lake City, UT. He had three grandchildren, Victoria Renée Whitson Patterson (husband Brian) of Hillsborough, NC, Ian Thomas Alexander Whitson of Washington, DC, and Hayden Pierce Fite of Boulder, CO.

A family wake will be held at his home. Inurnment for Kent and Dot will be at a later date at the National Cemetery in Quantico, VA.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kent’s name may be made to:

Craven County Hospice - 2818 Neuse Blvd., New Bern NC 28562

The mission of Craven County Health Department Foundation is to educate the community about hospice services and provide assistance to the programs and patients in the care of Craven County Hospice.

Force Blue - P.O. Box 1254, Mt. Pleasant SC 29465

Force Blue is the only non-profit organization in the world that retrains and redeploys former Special Operations veterans and military-trained combat divers to assist in marine and coral reef conservation efforts.

The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, and staff at Carolina East Medical Center, The SECU Comprehensive Cancer Center at Carolina East Medical Center, and Craven County Hospice who have provided exceptional care with a personalized touch - we are truly grateful.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.