Donald Keith Battles obituary
Donald Keith Battles, 82, of Topeka, passed away peacefully June 5, 2021, at his daughter and son-in-law’s home in Topeka, Kansas.
Donald was born in Rutledge, Missouri, December 5, 1938, the son of Walter and Helen (Rice) Battles.
Keith, as he was known by his family and friends growing up, was a 1956 graduate of Memphis High School in Memphis, Missouri.
Keith enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1956 was discharged in 1960 as an A/2C, Metal Proc. Specl 53250.
Keith married Mary Margaret Beckert on December 23, 1961, in Memphis, MO.
He worked for Coco-Cola, Lenexa Police Department and retired from the Santa Fe Railroad 32 years.
In his free time, he enjoyed building many different things, playing ping-pong, basketball, attending his son’s ball games, and spending time with his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary, his parents, Walter and Helen, great-granddaughter, Jaydyn Halseth, and great-grandson, Zachary Kaufman.
He is survived by his brother, Stanley L. Battles of Montgomery of Montgomery, IL.
Also surviving are brother-in-law, John (Nadine) Beckert of Kahoka, Missouri; brother-in-law Dean (Roberta) Beckert of Memphis, Missouri; sister-in-law, Betty (Audrey) Glass of Memphis, Missouri; sister-in-law Helen (the late Winifred) Hill of Memphis, Missouri, and brother-in-law Ed (Sandy) Beckert of Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Children, Gary Battles of Westwego, Louisiana; Terry (Danny) Belisle of Topeka, Kansas; and Ronnie Battles of Springfield, Missouri. Grandchildren: Brian (Jody) Halseth, Jacqueline (Daniel) Kaufman, Anthony (Kimberly) Halseth, Jennifer Halseth, Samantha Battles, Alexandrea Battles, Brianna Battles, Danny J. Belisle Jr., Richard (Julia) Belisle, and Gary Belisle. Many great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild also survive.
Cremation is planned and joint graveside services for Donald Keith and Mary Margaret Battles will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery, June 21, 2021, 10 am, at 3616 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas.
