Allen Battershell

Allen Battershell, 93, Indianapolis, passed away peacefully at home September 23. He is survived by his daughter Beverly Strodtman (Carl Teague); granddaughters, Stephanie Lynn Strodtman, Amber Nicole (Jason) Hornberger, and great-grandson Bryce Paul Hornberger. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester Donald and Keturah Allen Battershell, his step-mother Ena Battershell, and his wife of 67 years, Pearl (Fink) Battershell. He was born in Robinson, IL and moved to Gary, IN at age 8 where he began his love for music. Allen graduated from Tolleston High School in 1939 as senior class president, where he also won awards as a speed skater and track star. He graduated from Indiana State University 1949 with a degree in music education and also attained his Masters in Education. Allen is an Army veteran of WWII 95th Infantry Division (1943-1945) earning a combat infantry badge and ETO ribbon with 4 battle stars and a bronze star. His was a bugler and was trained in communications by Morse code. He met Pearl, of Fairfax, AL, while stationed in Fort Benning, GA. They married July 5, 1946 after he returned from the war. He was an instrumental music teacher at Fillmore, Mooresville, and Danville high schools, Warren Township schools, and retired from Indianapolis Public Schools. He was past president of the Indiana School Music Association. Allen continued playing his trumpet throughout his life in the American Legion Band and also the brass band at Irvington Presbyterian Church, of which he and Pearl were members. His vegetable garden will be remembered by all. It increased in size each year until it was a third of their back yard, and frozen vegetables from 3 seasons of crops were enjoyed all year. Allen was member of Master Gardeners. Visitation will be on Monday, September 29 from 4-8 PM at Flanner and Buchanan- Memorial Park, 9350 E. Washington Street. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, September 30 at 1 PM at the funeral center, with Rev. Robert Heimach officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Phillips Music Guild, a volunteer group that helps under-privileged children pursue their love of music. Those wishing to sign the guestbook may do so at www.flannerbuchanan.com.