Gary Battles
April 18, 2023
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Service Details
Gary Chester Battles was born on July 30, 1946 in Des Moines, Iowa. He was the only son of Gerald and Lorraine (Cakebread) Battles. He grew up in Des Moines and Graduated from North High School in 1964. He graduated from Drake University and NW Missouri State for his Masters.
Gary was an educator, principal, and superintendent for 42 years. His final 10 years were spent as Superintendent for West Nodaway Valley, MO. Upon retirement he moved to Ankeny. He was a bus driver for Ankeny Schools. He enjoyed judging speech contests, refereeing volleyball and softball. He was a forever KC Chiefs fan!
Gary went to be with the Lord on April 18, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Lorraine Battles.
He is survived by his one cousin Terry Adamson and wife JoAnn of Ankeny and their son Mike and wife Lael and their children Aidan, Ash, and Aylin; also, step brothers, David, Bill, and Larry Bolton; step sister, Lori Hitchner, plus, many friends.
The family would like to personally thank Sue Nilson for the love and care that he has received for the past three years.
Funeral services will be Monday, April 24th at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines, at 10:00 a.m. A visitation will take place from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m., prior to service. Burial will be later at Franklin Township Cemetery near Mitchellville and at Mitchellville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to family in loving memory of Gary.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com
Steve and Ronda Henry
04/24/2023
So sorry to hear of Garys passing! He was superintendent at West Nodaway when our kids were in school. He was also our next door neighbor!
We really missed him after he moved!!
Sharon Olsen
04/24/2023
Gary,
What a wonderful smile and those "eyes". So happy I was able to make you cookies and breakfast. You deserved so much more, I am so GLAD those KC Chiefs came through for you this year. Love You.....Sharon (aka Sue's Sister)
susan nilson
04/22/2023
My greatest pleasure in life has been to serve Gary. Love you Buddy!!
Ron German
04/22/2023
We shared our neighborhood and grade school thru high school education. We even shared our birthday. He was special educator and person. Rest in peace, my friend.
Lori Hitchner
04/22/2023
May Gary Rest in Peace.
Shane Becker
04/21/2023
Mr. Battles was a very kind man. If it weren't for his patience and understanding I would have never graduated. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to his family.
Ted & Becky Fletchall
04/21/2023
Gary lived in our Pine Pointe Townhomes association. We would like to express our heartfelt sympathy to Gary's friends and family in your loss. May God comfort your hearts. We are praying for you. Sincerely, Ted and Becky
Cayle Chastain Buckingham
04/21/2023
Mr. Battles was my principal and VB coach at Central Decatur. I remember him for his fairness and easy going demeanor, but you always knew when he meant business; he gave me my one and only detention in high school. Condolences to his family and friends.
Janet Smith
04/21/2023
I was a student at Central Decatur when Mr. Battles was principal. I remember his easy smile and fairness. May he rest in peace.
Janice Casteel Mustapha
04/20/2023
Mr Battles was a wonderful teacher & Guidance counselor. He was always willing to visit with me & help me with whatever problems I had at that time. My thoughts and prayers to his family
Haley Rauch
04/20/2023
Former student from Central Decatur Community High School Leon Iowa! Mr. Bats as I called him was not only a great Principal, but friend. I spent many a hour in his office. I learned alot and respected him.
Lori and Dan Christensen
04/20/2023
Gary was such a special friend to our family. We enjoyed his company and the times that were shared playing cribbage and exchanging Christmas gift. He was like a part of our family for so many years. He will be missed.
Joya
04/20/2023
From the time that I knew Gary he was a good man. Always so nice to me and my family. Its nice to know that he isnt suffering anymore and can finally rest. Rest in peace Gary. You will be missed.
Loren Schrier
04/20/2023
Mr. Battles was a very good teacher and counselor. Although it has been probably 30 years since I spoke with him, I often thought of him.
Sherry McCurdy Wall
04/20/2023
Mr. Battles was a great counselor. He helped greatly when I went to Cumberland & Massena School. I will also never forget while in grade school he was the softball coach. He burned one in my hand I will never forget!! He was awesome as a coach!