Derek Jason Bateman

On Wednesday afternoon, April 22, 2020, Derek Jason Bateman, 51, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family.

Derek was born January 2, 1969, in Wichita, Kansas to Edward James and Alice Sue (Howell) Bateman. He was welcomed home by his older brother and best friend, Ed Bateman Jr. The family made their home in the towns of Pratt, Norton, and Oberlin, Kansas where Derek attended school through junior high. In 1983, the Batemans moved to Tulsa where Derek attended Jenks for one year and later graduated in 1987 from Victory Christian School. While attending Oral Roberts University, he met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Liz” Marie Thorning. Just after graduation, they were married on May 25, 1991. Four children were born to this union: Lauren Elizabeth, Sarah Jane, Daniel Edward, and Michael Rexford. He treasured his children and embraced every moment with them.

Derek worked in the commercial real estate field for over 25 years. He began his career in Facilities with Williams Telecommunications and progressed through acquisitions and mergers to ultimately become the VP of North American Properties for MCI Communications. In 2007, Derek started working with Mike Predovic at Trinity Corporate Real Estate Advisors. Over the past 14 years, Derek participated in some of Tulsa’s largest real estate transactions. Derek and Mike were the asset managers for Cityplex Towers, part of their alma mater Oral Roberts University, and played a key role in the turnaround of that property. CityPlex Towers won the 2017 BOMA TULSA Building of the Year Award in the over 1 million square foot category under Derek’s management with Trinity. In 2018, NAIOP awarded Derek with the Scott A. Sanditen Member of the Year. Derek was known throughout the industry as a man of integrity and putting his clients first.

Derek was an active member of First United Methodist Church, Tulsa since high school. He participated in over 25 youth mission trips, as a participant and then as a mentor. He served on the Board of Trustees (Chair), Church Council, and Finance Committee. Derek and Liz were founding members of the Asbury Covenant Sunday School class where they met and established life-long friendships.

Derek delighted in being outdoors: running marathons, climbing 14ers, bicycling, camping, hunting, hiking, and fishing at the White River. He was always present at his children’s activities and was always their biggest fan at school functions, sporting events and musical concerts. He loved all of his children’s friends and would consider them his “adopted “sons and daughters.

Derek had many great loves in his life. The greatest of these was the love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus. After his cancer diagnosis in 2018, he consistently prayed for three things: that God be glorified through the journey, that his family would be drawn closer to each other and to the Lord, and that healing would take place in the manner and timing according to God’s will. He walked through this chapter of his life with faith, grace, and authenticity.

Derek was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Dan Thorning and brother-in-law, Jay Thorning.

Derek is survived by his wife, Liz; daughters, Lauren and Sarah; sons, Daniel and Michael; parents Ed & Sue Bateman; brother Ed Bateman (wife Sonya and sons, Ryan, Grant and Luke); mother-in-law Sandra Thorning; brother-in-law Jeff Thorning (wife Lisa and children Emily, Jack and Natalie); a large extended family and close-knit group of friends that he would consider brothers and sisters.

Derek was a humble giant. He exemplified humility and defined what it means to be a servant and true friend. His life was a living example of his favorite Bible verse Matthew 5:16, ” let your light so shine…”

Interment will take place during a private ceremony at Memorial Park Cemetery. A Celebration of Derek's Life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice in Derek’s memory.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to Derek’s medical team and to all that have expressed their love to the family in so many ways.

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt's Tulsa Funeral Service & Cremation Care. Family and friends may send memories and condolences to the family online at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com