Thomas Battle

In loving memory of Thomas J. Battle, who, after gracing this world for 61 years, departed peacefully from his Columbus, Ohio home on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.  Raised in Midland, Michigan, Thomas, known affectionately as Tom, carried the spirit of both Midland and Columbus in his heart. Thomas is survived by his wife Karen; his children Christopher, Sarah, and Kaitlyne; his grandchildren Kai, Alice, and Ava; his siblings David (Vitaliya), Tracy (Dale), Patricia (John), John, and Mary (Matthew); brothers-in-law, James and Joseph; along with nearly twenty nieces and nephews. 

A proud alumnus of H.H. Dow High School in Midland, Tom furthered his education at Northwood University, earning a B. A. in Business.

As a young man, Tom’s passions included spending his Friday allowance on candy bars at Harper’s Hardware to fuel him for his long-distance bicycle riding—which he would ride all over the state of Michigan.  He would take day trips—leaving early in the morning and returning home late at night.  He combined this passion with his love of music and would listen to his Sony Walkman enjoying the widest-range of genres from bands like Rush, Depeche Mode, U2, Doobie Brothers, Brothers Johnson, Earth, Wind, and Fire and more!  Back in the day, he was always ahead of the local radio stations because of his powerful “HiFi” stereo’s ability to pick up big city musicians and big city music.  Such an eclectic taste in music that never faded as he got older and found solace listening to a recent artist and electric violinist named Cailtin De Ville. 

In his later years, Tom loved spending time with his family, taking care of his dogs (Minnie and Trixie), and was an avid sports fan. From his love of Michigan Football to watching NFL each week, Tom's living room often echoed with cheers and playful banter.

Tom was a devout Roman Catholic who lived his faith daily. He began each day attending virtual Mass on TV, faithfully prayed the Rosary, and relied on his unwavering spiritual bond to guide him through life’s challenges with grace and fortitude.  As a result, he was completely filled with joy, and had an outstanding wit.  Tom will forever be known for his dry sense of humor and constant jokes.  He made everyone with whom he came into contact laugh out loud. 

To pay respects, a Visitation and Rosary will take place at Jerry Spears Funeral Home 2693 W. Broad St. in Columbus, Ohio on Thursday, September 7, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00pm. 

A 10:30am Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday September 8, 2023, by Fr. Michael Donovan, O.de M. at Holy Family Catholic Church located at 584 W. Broad St.  Tom will be interred at Green Lawn Cemetery in Columbus, Ohio after the funeral.

To honor Tom's generous spirit, you can send flowers to the family, or in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Holy Family Food Pantry

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas Battle, please visit our floral store.