Elmo L. Battles was born on August 6, 1929 in Cuero, Texas, DeWitt County to the late James M. and Emma Enoch Battles. He attended Pleasantville School and the Old Daule High School, where he was a member of the Historical Committee. Elmo accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized in 1944 by the late Rev. N.E. Henderson and joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Edger, Texas. Elmo was a devoted member under the leadership of Rev. George Franklin, and he was also a devoted member of the choir.
Elmo enlisted into the United States Army on February 5, 1951, and was honorably discharged in 1953. After he returned home, he began work at Weber Motor Company, Smith Chevrolet, and D.L. Duckett. His final Chevrolet job was with Bob Farris Chevrolet where he worked for 37 years and where he retired from. He also served as a private bartender for over 50 years along with his brother, the late Thaddeus M. Battles, Sr. in Cuero and Gonzales, Texas.
Elmo was united in holy matrimony to Shirley M. Hopkins on June 8, 1963. They were happily married for 57 years. Elmo enjoyed his family, country life working with his cattle, chickens, and attending to his roses and vegetable garden.
Elmo and his wife Shirley relocated to Buda, Texas in 2006 to be closer to their daughter. Elmo gained many new friends while residing in Buda, Texas with his smiles and kindness. While residing in Buda he was under the watch care of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Cornelius Bass.
He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley M. Battles, his parents James M. and Emma Enoch Battles, his sisters Vivian Friar and Lucy Mae Wright, and his brother Thaddeus M. Battles, Sr.
He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Djuna Newby (Darrin) of Buda, Texas, sons Michael Battles (Elizabeth) of Eagle Lake, Texas, Charles Battles (Lillian), Lionel Battles (Shirley) of Victoria, Texas; 12 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, 6 great, great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, September 16, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with a Celebration of Life beginning at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Cuero, Texas. Interment to follow at Pleasantville Cemetery. To leave a comforting message, or to share a fond memory, please visit www. gracefuneralhome.net.
