Theodore “Ted” Battles

Theodore (Ted) Evander Battles, 97, passed away peacefully from heart complications on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, in Midland, TX. On this day Ted was reunited with his loving wife of 45 years, Lisa Marie (née Olsson) Battles, who preceded him in death in 1992.

Born on April 21, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey, Ted lived a rich and fulfilling life as a son, brother, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend filled with his passion for all things sports. Ted was one of the lucky ones whose passions translated into a career in sports journalism that took Ted and his wife out west with pit stops as a writer in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Bartlesville, Oklahoma, before settling in Midland and raising a family. From 1953 until his retirement in 1989, Ted was a writer and sports editor for the Midland Reporter-Telegram. His prolific and vivid sports writing, dry sense of humor, and keen wit led not only to the foundation of the wildly successful and delightful column, “The Battle Scene,” but also won him several awards for articles and columns for his coverage of iconic athletic events across the Lone Star State. A valued member of the Texas Sportswriters Association, Ted’s encyclopedic knowledge of sports will be sorely missed but carried on through the many he has impacted over the years, personally and through his writing. Outside of his career, Ted’s artistic side manifested in his fantastic painting and photography skills. With any free time left, he found joy in spending time with family and friends, gardening, traveling, caring for neighborhood cats, and skiing internationally up until his 85th birthday.

Ted is survived by sons, Byron and wife Janelle Battles of Silver Spring, MD, and Brandon and wife Elizabeth Battles of Colleyville, TX, and grandsons, Andrew Battles (Denver, CO), Brett Battles and wife Katie (Minneapolis, MN), and Reed Battles (Tucson, AZ).

A memorial service for Ted will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 16, 2021 (gates open at 9:30 a.m.), at one of his favorite places in Midland, Momentum Bank Ballpark (5514 Champions Drive, Midland, TX). In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations in memory of Ted Battles be made to the Midland Allison Cancer Center (www.texasoncology.com) in honor of his loving wife, Lisa, the Midland SPCA (www.midlandspca.net), and youth sports at the Midland YMCA (www.midlandymca.org).

Ted will be dearly missed not only by his family but also by the loving community he forged during his life in Midland.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.