Robert D. Battice

Robert D. Battice, 89, of Midland, died Wednesday, Dec. 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 U.S. Army during World War II in A Company, 5th Ranger Infantry Battalion, where he was part of the initial assult 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 Co. 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 and Nichol Young, Laurie Stockwell, Dora and 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 Aug. 8, 2009.

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

Funeral services for Mr. Battice will take place 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. The Rev. Mark Miller will officiate. A Masonic Memorial Service will be conducted at 7 p.m., 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 U.S. Army Funeral Honors Guard. Family will receive friends at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Memorials may be offered to the Toni & Trish House or MidMichigan Home Care. Personal messages of condolence to the family may be offered at www.wilson-miller.com