January 2021
Paul Eugene Lokey, JD ’64
Paul Eugene Lokey, long-time attorney, loving husband and father of four, passed away in his home surrounded by family on December 20, 2020, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 81. Paul was born on April 19, 1939, in Okemah, Oklahoma to Arthur B. and Minnie Ruth Turnipseed Lokey. Following the death of his father at the age of 11, he and his family moved to Gainesville, Texas where Paul later attended Gainesville High School. Upon graduation, he received a coveted scholarship to attend Texas A&M University, which changed his life and made him a life-long and proud Aggie. He continued his education at Baylor University where he earned a law degree and began his work as an attorney in Dallas in 1964, resulting in an illustrious career that spanned over 50 years. Paul was passionate about his family, his work and his life. We were all his beneficiaries because of his desire to live life to its fullest, his appreciation for the human experience, and his commitment to persevere despite the most trying of circumstances. We deeply mourn his passing but celebrate the way he lived his life. Paul is survived by his wife of 37 years Liz Minyard Lokey; son Keith Paul Lokey and wife Susan; daughters Tracey Beck, Stephanie Lokey and wife Amy Sheinberg, and Kristi Lokey; 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
Melvin Bateman, Jr., JD ’71
Melvin Bateman, Jr. led a life of devotion to his family, his community, his profession, and his God. He was born in Texarkana, Texas on May 14, 1946 to the late Melvin Gray Bateman, Sr. and Biaggia Borsellino Bateman. He died on January 13, 2021. He was a proud son of Texarkana and spent his youth on Wilson Street. His father retired from Sears & Roebuck. He graduated from Texas High School in 1964 and played varsity football and basketball. He was the quarterback of the 1963 district championship team and always fondly recalled his time as a Texas High Tiger. He attended Texas Tech University and then received his Juris Doctorate degree from Baylor Law School in 1971. He is survived by his wife Judith Higgs Bateman, a 1965 graduate of Texas High School, his mother-in-law Imogene Bice Higgs of Athens and formerly of Wake Village, Texas, his son Conor Gray Bateman and wife Megan Gibson Bateman of Dallas, granddaughter Sloane Biaggia Bateman and grandson Brooks Gray Bateman, his daughter Bridget Giorgianna Bateman of Athens, son Ross Woods Bateman and wife Meghan Nutt Bateman of Dallas, grandson Evan Woods Bateman, and daughter Susan Schuyler Bateman of Athens. He was a member of the State Bar of Texas and spent his entire career in Athens, Texas. He founded East Texas Title Company in Athens in June 1983. He was an adjunct professor at Trinity Valley Community College for more than 10 years and taught courses in real estate and business law. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Athens and taught the Discovery adult Sunday School class for 25 years. Lovingly known as "Coach Bateman," he coached dozens of youth sports teams. He was a founding director of the Disciples Clinic, a member of the Athens Rotary Club, and generously donated his time and legal expertise to numerous charitable endeavors.