Robert D. Battice

Robert D. Battice, age 89 of Midland, died Wednesday December 12, 2012 at Toni and Trish House in Auburn, The son of the late Bert and Amelia (James) Battice was born on April 17, 1923 in Detroit where he was raised and educated. Robert served in the United States Army during World War II in A Company, 5th Ranger Infantry Battalion where he was part of the initial assault on the Coast of France and received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and a Presidential Unit Citation. After serving in the Army he moved to Midland in 1945 where he went to work for The Dow Chemical Company as a Master Tradesman until retiring in 1980 after 35 years of service. He was a former member of the First United Methodist Church, Centre Lodge 273, Free and Accepted Masons, Bay City Consistory, Elf Khurafeh Shrine, Past Grand Royal Patron of Amaranth, life member of V.F.W. and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. Robert enjoyed bowling and golfing. The family wishes to thank Debbie & Nichol Young, Laurie Stockwell, Dora & Andrea Fouchea , Dan Chase and the wonderful volunteers at the Toni & Trish House for their loving care, Sylvia Steinberg and especially Senior Home Care. On May 1, 1945 in Midland Robert married the former Wilma Leaf. After 65 years of marriage "His Bride" Wilma died on August 8, 2009.

Surviving is his son, David (Bonnie) Battice of Prudenville; daughters, Marvel (Lee) Colosky of Midland, Bobbie (Ron) Lukowski of Midland, Arlene (Mike) Beckton of Portage; 16 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, Robert was preceded in death by brothers, William and Harold Battice; sister, Arlene Krajewski

Funeral services for Mr. Battice will take place 11:00 a.m. Monday December 17, 2012 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Rev. Mark Miller will officiate. A Masonic Memorial Service will be conducted at 7:00 PM Sunday at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Midland Memorials Gardens Cemetery with military honors under the auspices of the Midland Area Veterans and the US Army Funeral Honors Guard. Family will receive friends at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8:00 p.m. Memorials may be offered to the Toni & Trish House or Mid Michigan Home Care.