Thomas E. "Tom" Battle III of Columbus, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 1, 2013, while teaching at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business in Bloomington, IN, where he had been an Adjunct Professor since 1983. Following his birth on February 16, 1947, in Louisville, KY, the family relocated to Indiana, residing first in Seymour and then in Columbus. He attended Columbus High School, where he played football and ran track for the CHS Bulldogs, graduating in 1965.
Tom attended Indiana University, earning Bachelor's and Master's degrees, and completing all academic course work for a doctorate degree. He played soccer under the legendary Jerry Yegley, and then coached the IU Water Polo team for 10 years. A member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, he was an integral member of their Little 500 bicycle race team. Tom rode nearly 90 percent of the 1970 race to lead his team to victory that year.
His professional relationship with Indiana University, which lasted until his death, began in 1974 at the Kelley School of Business Real Estate Certification Program (RECP). Following creation of the Center for Real Estate Education and Research in 1981, Tom moved with RECP into the new entity, where he co-owned and co-operated RECP for 38 years until selling the business to the Indiana Association of Realtors in 2010. During his tenure, Tom taught thousands of real professionals all across the state of Indiana, while also writing, co-authoring or editing 11 real estate, auction marketing and environmental issues text books.
Survivors include his mother, Marcia Battle, of Columbus; a brother, Tim Battle of Murfreesboro, TN; sisters, Teresa (William) Hand of Brownsburg, IN, and Deborah Miller (Sergei Krasilnikov) of Boca Raton, FL; nephews, Paul Hand and Tyler Miller; nieces, Hadley Miller and Ally Miller; and a stepgranddaughter, Taylor Shannon.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Earl Battle, Jr., and his wife, Carolyn Shannon.
The funeral service will be conducted by Dr. Dan Cash at 2 p.m. Friday at Myers-Reed Chapel, 3729 25th St., Columbus. Visitation will be held there from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and one hour prior to the service Friday. Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery following the service.
Memorials may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, the American Heart Association or First Baptist Church of Columbus.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-reed.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 3, 2014
Elaine Sollars
I'm going through the broker transition class and Tom is one of the teachers. He will be missed.
August 30, 2013
Gary Fresen
I am very sad to learn that Tom has left us. At IU, he was a coach and friend of the IU Soccer club in 1971 when I arrived as a freshman as well as in 1973, when we began the Varsity Team. The little known secret to Jerry Yeagley's success was to have people like Tom Battle give his support and encouragement to us as young players. Tom was a legend at IU for his skills as a bike rider in the Little 500. He set an example for all of us for his strength and endurance. With Tom watching, why was I tired with a couple of wind sprints, when compared to what Tom accomplished in pushing himself in training and on Big Day on the cinder track? We were so fortunate to learn from him. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
April 17, 2013
Marcia, I didn't know your son, but remember how important all your children were to you. I am so sorry to learn of your loss. I also lost a son, Lee, when he was 44. We don't expect to outlive our children.
With love, Thelma Triplett
April 13, 2013
Although we had not seen Tom much in recent years, we are shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. He was a dear friend during our college years and after.
John and Joan Diercks
April 10, 2013
Dave and I were saddened to hear of Tom's passing. We knew Tom at IU , through the Sig Ep house and Little 500. He always had a larger than life presence and will be remembered for his dedication to coaching and the many riders and participants whose lives he touched. We are so sorry for your loss and extend our deepest sympathy.
Carey and Dave Criswell
Cincinnati, OH
April 8, 2013
Michael Laird
Tom's passing is a loss to any group or university he was connected with, also the real estate industry, his family and friends. In 1976 I took the RECP salespersons course and in 1998 the broker course. In 2000 the RECP appraisal course. In 2000 I had question and called RECP. I was directed to Tom which led to my working for RECP for 10 years teaching over 600 students. Working with professionals like Tom Battle and Steve Martin was great. I enjoyed going to every class I taught. High quality persons like Tom Battle have my greatest respect. Thank you Tom!
April 8, 2013
Mark Hansbarger
Condolences. I enjoyed real estate education classes with Tom, and really good, sometimes "warm" discussions. He will be missed in our industry. Sincerely, Mark Hansbarger
April 7, 2013
Gary Thompson
I am sorry to hear that Tom passed away. I remember him from the glory days of the Sig Ep house. He was a significant contributer to that.
Gary Thompson
April 7, 2013
My sincere sympathies on the loss of your son, Marcia, and your brother, Tim. Tom was very special to me in many ways when we were both attending Indiana University. He has always had a very special place in my heart. Justice Duncan (Nancy Lou Justice)
April 7, 2013
Tom was an outstanding presenter, and I truly enjoyed his talks in our Real Estate CE classes. Those classes were sometimes boring, but Never with Tom as the speaker. His teaching was fresh and interesting, and we will certainly miss him. Our prayers are with the family.
Leslie Remenschneider (Fort Wayne, IN)
April 6, 2013
Terri McGavock
I am so sorry for the unexpected loss of your son and brother. Tom was a great educator in the Real Estate Industry and helped make many would be boring subjects exciting and intriguing. He is responsible for the increasing Professionalism and highly educated Realtors in Indiana. He will be deeply missed and I know I speak for all, we have lost a great friend and ally.
April 6, 2013
Terri McGavock
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of loss. Tom was one of the greatest educators in the Real Estate Industry and was very instrumental in making sure our profession was very highly reguarded in the public due to our superb training. He will be deeply missed today and for many many years to come.
April 6, 2013
Chris Jones
As a realtor, I had continuing education classes with Tom. He was a talented teacher and could hold my attention for hours...not true of many instructors! I certainly appreciated his skills and will miss him for future classes. I certainly send my condolences to his family. Chris Jones
April 6, 2013
Linda and Mike Gantt
Mike and I are so sorry for the loss of your dear brother. Please know that you, Tim and your mom and family are in our thoughts and prayers. It was with heavy hearts that we returned from my dad's funeral to find out that your brother, Tom, had unexpectedly passed away.
May the Holy Spirit give you the peace and comfort only He can give.
In Christ,
Mike and Linda Gantt
April 6, 2013
Steve Masuccio
Tom was a great professor. While I attended I.U. in the early 80's he was known as a very good professor who taught an interesting real estate class. He had great examples on how to apply the material he taught. I always looked up to him and now I have had, and still practicing a successful Real Estate career. He was fantastic with the students. Steve Masuccio Indianapolis, IN
April 6, 2013
Lisa Meulbroek
I attended Mr. Battles real estate continuing education classes over the years and he was one of the best instructors I have had.
My deepest sympathies to the family.
April 6, 2013
Julianne Deely-Frost
I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed Tom and his many side jokes and easy going manner, as he taught us Realtors continuing Education classes. He was a good man and will be missed.
April 5, 2013
Lori Davis Smith
April 5, 2013
Jim Wolfe
I first met Tom when I was 10 or 11 years old, tagging along with Brother Bill and the family for a visit to IU. Meeting him and seeing the kind of people around him started a life-long relationship with IU. Through him I met Steve & Gretchen Martin, George Bloom, and many, many others. Tom became a fraternity brother when I joined Sig Ep, and even a classmate when he was taking finance courses with Dr. Simkowitz. Tom Battle had more friends than anyone I have ever known, and he will be missed terribly by all.
April 5, 2013
Jack Carr Boyd
Tom Battle, One of the nicest guys on this planet... I learned a lot from Tom. He and I both lost our wives very close to each other. I shall now pray for two special people in my life...
Thomas, Keep Smiling.... Jack Carr Boyd, Broker in an Industry Tom so dearly Loved... Noblesville, IN April 5th., 2013
April 5, 2013
Warren Nash
I remember Tom with the greatest admiration - I ask his advise many times when I served on the Indiana Real Estate Commission - he was a wealth of information - he will be sorely missed by our profession. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
April 5, 2013
Eric Linder
What a great man and great Teacher, he will be missed
April 5, 2013
Tom was one of the best instructors I ever had from those early days of GRI under George Bloom through CE in recent years. His sense of humor and knowledge of the industry always made his classes entertaining and interesting. He will be missed.
Beth Blake (Indianapolis, IN)
April 5, 2013
Jeri Ballantine
Tom made even the most 'boring' or 'basic' continuing ed topics interesting. His stories and vast knowledge of the real estate field were very worthwhile. I came away from every class he taught with fresh insights & enthusiasm for my real estate career. I'll miss his classes this year.
April 5, 2013
Linda Quillen
Tom was one of the nicest people that I have ever met. Through him I was able to begin my career in Real Estate, He taught me through both my Sales and then my Broker's Courses. He picked on me in almost every class, as he did with alot of people. His dry sense of humor was what made class interesting. He had more knowledge than most people can learn in a lifetime. CE Classes will NEVER be the same and I will miss him terribly. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends at this time of sorrow for all of us.
April 5, 2013
Darlene Robinson
What a Shock to the Real Estate Profession. Such a Wonderful Person and Instructor. He had just taught my Broker Class in January had such a good time in class as well as my CE last year. What a Sense of Humor he had. My condolences to all the family. He will be Dearly missed.
April 5, 2013
Randy Scheidt
I had the most admiration for Tom and will miss him dearly just as I know many others will. My hearftelt condolences go out to his family, colleagues and his friends.
Randy Scheidt
April 5, 2013
Vikki Foster
I remember Tom best as the kind of real estate that instructor that set an example for integrity. After taking my first RECP course, I continued furthering my education in real estate with Tom as my educator. He set the bar when it comes to an exemplary in the field of real estate; striving for the best, requiring the most, and inspiring his students. He left an amazing legacy. Many Blessings to his family!
April 4, 2013
Kaye Hirt
A great loss to the real estate community--we'll miss his stories and wry sense of humor as well as his friendship and vast knowledge
April 4, 2013
Frank Meshberger MD
Tom Battle and I were in junior high and high school in Columbus IN both of us graduating in 1965. In Mr. Kennedy's "block" class in the eight grade, Tom would study the history lesson for the next day so he could ask a difficult question that he knew the answer. Mr. Kennedy would not challenge Tom's knowledge about the answer!
Bon Voyage Tom
Frank Lynn Meshberger MD
Carmel IN
April 4, 2013
Tim Henkle
Tom has taught me many lessons in his classes over the years! His humor and knowledge of Real Estate and life were always appreciated and made those "necessary" CE classes more enjoyable. He will be missed!
April 4, 2013
Esther Hogan
We have know Tom for many many years through the Real Estate Educators Association. Tom was a tremendous asset to Real Estate Education and will be missed. Our sympathy goes out to Tom's family.
Jim & Esther Hogan, Tucson, Arizona
April 4, 2013
Samantha Syester
Tom was a wonderful man with a passion for teaching and inspiring others. I began my real estate training with him and was fortunate enough to learn from him earlier this year. He always had great insight. My heart goes out to his family and the the Indiana real estate community as we all mourn his loss.
April 4, 2013
"We have known Tom for many many years through the Real Estate Educators Association. Tom was a great asset to real estate education. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be missed."
Jim and Esther Hogan (Tucson, Arizona)
April 4, 2013
Deb Schuch Olinger
It was always a pleasure to see Tom! I had the honor of meeting him in 1978 at IU. When I returned to Indiana in the late 80's, I had the priviledge of working for he and Steve. My deepest sympathy to his family and those that considered him family. He will be missed by many real estate professionals.
April 4, 2013
Susan Page
Tom was a great teacher and we will miss him dearly.
The Southeastern Indiana Board of Realtors, Inc., Aurora, Indiana
April 4, 2013
Harvey Lambright
It was with great sadness that we learned of Tom's passing. Tom was a wonderful friend to our entire family for many years. His contributions to the Auction and Real Estate professions will live on for generations. He was responsible for starting new Auctioneers and Realtors on the right path, with ethics and professionalism second to none. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Harvey & Pat Lambright and Family
Lewis & Lambright, Inc.
Auctioneers & Realtors
LaGrange, IN
April 3, 2013
Joe Shoemaker
I owe so much of my career success to Tom. His devotion to the art of Real Estate was second to none, and I will miss his sense of humor.
April 3, 2013
Jocelyn Thomas Hickman
I knew Tom on a personal level when I was a student at IU in the early 80's. What a fantastic man and brilliant man!! He will surely by missed by many both in and outside the real estate industry.
April 3, 2013
Kinder Realty
Tom was indeed a true one of a kind. It was an honor to have been a part of his real estate legacy. May God give his family comfort and peace. Kinder Realty & Associates. Cherie Kinder, Debra Suddarth, Watson Merry and Larry Shickles. Mitchell, IN.
April 3, 2013
Indiana Real Estate continuing education classes could put the stoutest soul into a deep sleep... But not when Tom Battle taught them. A gifted teacher and ambassador for Realtors and Auctioneers, he will be greatly missed. Thanks Tom for all the knowledge and wisdom you shared with us.
J. Lewis Fox
Indiana Real Estate Broker/Auctioneer
Frankfort, Indiana
April 3, 2013
Tom Popcheff
I've had the honor of knowing and learning from Tom for many years. He will be truly missed by those who have gained from his knowledge and expertise. I also join so many others in extending my deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
April 3, 2013
Hugh Miller
Tom was a cherished and dear friend of many of us in the auction profession. He has touched so many lives in the auction and real estate business in such a positive way. Tom will be greatly missed. I want to express my sincere condolences to his family.
Hugh Miller, Evansville, IN
April 3, 2013
Mark McKee
Tom was an awesome person. He will be missed! God bless his family.
April 3, 2013
Stephen Bishop
Tom Battle has a permanent presence in the lore of the Little 500, Sigma Phi Epsilon and Indiana University. Now he is in his eternal home. We are saddened by his passing but blessed by his life. Rest in Peace, Brother Battle! (on behalf of the IU chapter and alumni of Sigma Phi Epsilon)
April 3, 2013
Jerry Freeman
Few people in my 54 years have impressed me with both knowledge and the desire to help others learn, that Tom did. He really cared about what he taught and did it in a manner that made learning fun.I just met Tom the summer of 2012 but I will remember him for the rest of my life. What a great man.
Jerry Freeman Columbus Indiana
April 3, 2013
Michael Simkowitz
I have known Tom as a student, a teacher, acoach and a friend for 45 years. He was one of my first students in thew late sixties. He was my childrens first swim coach. I will never forget the picture of Tom with 3 or 4 kids draped over his big frame as he tried to calm down a bunch of seven or eight year olds.
He will live in the hearts of all of my family forever.
April 3, 2013
Stephen Bishop
Tom Battle has a permanent presence in the lore of the Little 500, Sigma Phi Epsilon and Indiana University. Now he is in his eternal home. We are saddened by his passing, but blessed by his life. Rest in Peace, Brother Battle!
(On behalf of the IU chapter and alumni of Sigma Phi Epsilon)
April 2, 2013
American Heart Association
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
April 2, 2013
Jim and Denise Geller
We loved Tom and enjoyed having him as part of our family. Please accept our sympathies for your loss. We will miss him.
April 2, 2013
Kathy Harbaugh
I join with so many others who knew Tom in offering our deepest sympathy on his passing. Although it is little consolation at this sad time, it should be of some satisfaction to know that in his passing you can celebrate the end of a very productive life.
The measure of a life well-lived is not in how much money one has or what possessions they have accumulated, but rather through the lives they touched and the sorrow they leave behind. If the outpouring of sympathy on his loss is any indication, and it most certainly is, you can proudly and confidently say that his indeed was a life well-lived.
May you find peace and comfort in knowing that his loss is felt by all who knew and loved him.
In Sympathy,
Kathy Harbaugh, Vice President of the Indiana Association of REALTORS and Director of the Real Estate Certification Program, RECP.
April 2, 2013
John D. Coombs
To The Family Of Thomas E. Battle III:
I was sorry to hear of Tom's untimely passing. He was a good friend and will always be remembered.
April 2, 2013
John D. Coombs
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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