Robert J. Bateman and his wife, Joanne

Bro. Robert J. Bateman is a Past Master of Springfield-Hanby Lodge No. 767 and served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 36th Masonic District. He also has served as District Masonic Education Chairman, Representative in Grand Lodge and as an instructor in the School of Instruction.

He is a member of Howell Royal Arch Chapter No. 202; Allen Council Royal and Select Master Masons No. 23; Allen-Beauceant Commandery No. 20, Valley of Philadelphia; Excelsior Mark Lodge No. 216; Constantine Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine; J.M. Alter Council No. 446, Allied Masonic Degrees; Pennsylvania Lodge of Research; Lu Lu Shriners; and the Delaware County Shrine Club. He is a Past Most Wise Master and an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, 33°. He is also a member of the Masonic Veterans of Pennsylvania, Masonic Blood Donor Club, Pennsylvania Masonic Shield and Square Club, the International Masonic Literary Academy, Royal Order of Scotland and Academy of Masonic Knowledge. He was awarded the DeMolay Legion of Honor.

Bro. Bateman served in the U.S. Active Army Reserves. He retired from the Upper Darby School District after 35 years, last serving as Coordinator for Custodial Services.

Bro. Bateman became a volunteer firefighter at age 16 and is a life member of Upper Darby Fire Company Station 3. He is a member of American Legion Post 214 and the Chapel of the Four Chaplains. He coached both Youth Flag Football and Little League Baseball, and was Treasurer and later President of the Transport Workers Union Local 289 AFL/CIO.

Bro. Bateman and his wife, Joanne, live in Upper Darby, Pa. They have three children and four granddaughters. He is a member of Covenant United Methodist Church, where he serves as a consultant for custodial needs and chemical safety and as a member of the Life Center Feeding Program Team to serve the hungry.