By Rebecca Goodman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

AVONDALE - From the age of 15, Manuel Columbus Battle helped his parents, James C. Sr. and Theresa Battle, founders of J.C. Battle Funeral Home, build it into one of the largest in the West End.

"Manuel worked proudly with his parents and often talked about their struggles," said his wife, Mary Stith Battle. "He worked hard and long hours during his lifetime. He was always striving for the best."

In 1996, the Urban League presented Mr. Battle its "Glorifying the Lions" award for his service to the community.

Mr. Battle died Friday at Veterans Administration Medical Center after a long illness. He was 84.

He worked in the family's business from its opening in 1934 until 1943, when the Army drafted him to serve in Europe during World War II. After his honorable discharge three years later, he attended the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and became a licensed funeral director and embalmer.

In order to serve the business, Mr. Battle also graduated from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law in 1951.

In those early years, he held a job at the Kettering Lab, then GE, where he was a magna flux operator, while working for the funeral home.

He eventually began working full time with his mother and brother, Lynwood C. Battle Sr.

"While Manuel loved his work, his greatest joy was his children, in whom he instilled a love and appreciation for education," his wife said.

The Ohio Funeral Association honored Mr. Battle for 50 years of service to his profession.

He was a member of Union Baptist Church for more than 80 years.

His first wife, Lazelle Battle, died in 1962.

In addition to his wife of 40 years, survivors include three daughters, Deborah Moore of Bond Hill, Winona Oliver of Finneytown and Michele Battle of Atlanta; a stepdaughter, Wanda Gipson of Chicago; and nine grandchildren.

Visitation is 5-7 p.m. today followed by the funeral at Union Baptist Church, 405 W. Seventh St. Interment is 10 a.m. Wednesday at Union Baptist Cemetery.

Memorials: Clara Wilson Memorial Adult Day Care, 1108 Clay St., Cincinnati 45210.

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E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com