Richard L. Battles

Richard L. Battles, 82, of New Palestine, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 5, 2023. He was born on May 16, 1941, in Indianapolis, to the late Orla Battles and Marian (Seigmund) Medsker . He married the love of his life, Mary Lee (Lauck) Battles, on April 4, 1964, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Richard was a graduate of Cathedral High School, class of 1959, and went on to attend Marian College. He served with distinction in the United States Army and went on to become a plumber/pipefitter for the UA Local 440. He was an active member of St. Simon the Apostle Catholic Church for many years and was helpful with all their maintenance and major construction projects; he spent many a morning and days in the school kitchen preparing parish breakfasts and festival meals and enjoyed cooking; he was granted seven patents by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Dick enjoyed fishing, hunting and racing cars in his younger days (drags, sprints and midget cars). He was a member of the Msgr. James M. Downey Council 3660, Knights of Columbus and a fourth-degree member of the Bishop Chatard Assembly #245. After their children were grown, they returned to Sacred Heart Catholic Church where they remained members. Richard will be most remembered for his hard work and devotion to his family.

Survivors include his children, John, Mike (Maureen), Beau (Kimberly), Debra Cunningham and Tina (Rob) Montgomery; grandchildren, Conor Cunningham, Regan Montgomery, Anthony Battles, Joe Battles, Mason Montgomery, Aidan Battles, Monica Cunningham, Morgan Montgomery, Wil Battles and T.J. Montgomery. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Mary Lee Battles; mother and stepfather, Marian and Jerry Medsker; father, Orla Battles.

Family and friends will gather on Monday, November 13, 2023, from 4 to 8 p.m. in Lauck & Veldhof Funeral & Cremation Services, 1458 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 14 at 1:30 p.m. in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1530 Union St., Indianapolis, with Fr. John McCaslin presiding. Prayers will be said in the funeral home prior to Mass at 1 p.m. with additional visitation from 12 noon until the time of prayers. Burial:  St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions have been suggested to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rebuild My Church Fund, 1530 Union St., Indianapolis, IN 46225.

Online condolences:  www.LauckFuneralHome.com

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