Bro. Robert J. Bateman will be presented as R.W. Junior Grand Warden on Jan. 21. He is a Past Master of Springfield-Hanby Lodge No. 767 and served as District Deputy Grand Master of the 36th Masonic District. He 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, Lu Lu Shriners and the Delaware County Shrine Club. He is also a member of the Masonic Veterans of Pennsylvania, Masonic Blood Donor Club and Pennsylvania Masonic Shield and Square Club.

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 the age of sixteen and is currently 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 was a coach of 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 one granddaughter. He is a member of Covenant United Methodist Church, where he serves as a consultant for custodial needs and chemical safety. Through his church, he also a member of the Life Center Feeding Program Team, which helps feed the homeless and others in the community.