COLUMBUS, Ohio — Services will be held on Jan. 28 for Franklin County sheriff’s deputy Terrance Bateman, 59, who died of COVID-19 complications on Saturday.
What You Need To Know
- Bateman is the second county sheriff's deputy to die of virus complications
- A funeral service is scheduled at World Harvest Church in Columbus
- COVID-19 has been the leading cause of death among first responders, report finds
Bateman, who worked in the corrections division, spent 25 years with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, officials said.
“He was respected and adored by everyone who worked with him. He never missed an opportunity to say a kind word. He provided encouragement to both coworkers and inmates yet did not hesitate to provide hands-on assistance when needed,” his obituary said.
Services will be held at World Harvest Church, and he will be laid to rest at Union Cemetery.
Bateman contracted COVID-19 while performing his official duties, according to a fundraiser supporting his family organized by the sheriff's office's peer assistance team.
COVID-19 has been the leading cause of death among law enforcement for the past two years, according to a report issued last month.
Bateman is the second Franklin County sheriff’s deputy to die of COVID-19 complications, following the Oct. 28 death of Bill Ihrig, who was 52.
Three Columbus firefighters have succumbed to the virus: David Jarvis, 55, Greg Bauer, 56, and Frank Duff Jr., 66. Columbus Police Officer James Strozyk, 49, also died after a battle with COVID-19.
Authorities have not released the vaccination status of any of the six men.
Mount Carmel St. Ann's health care workers and Ohio National Guard members supporting the hospital amid the current virus wave honored Bateman with a show of respect at the hospital, the sheriff’s office said Tuesday.
Officials said Bateman faithfully served the people of Franklin County and “was simply loved” by his colleagues.
Bateman was born in Cleveland, where he attended public schools. He and his wife of 31 years, Brenda Bateman, raised seven children — five daughters and two sons, his obituary said. He was passionate about his faith, cooking, Cleveland sports and learning about history.
“Though he often appeared quiet and extremely serious to others, Terrance was frequently the goofiest and most light-hearted person in the room,” his obituary said. “He was especially known for giving personally engraved pens to colleagues and family members.”