Roland Eddy “Ed” Battleson of Urbanna passed away on Saturday, November 28, 2009 surrounded by loved ones.
He is preceded in death by his father, Richard J. Battleson.
He was born in Highland, Illinois, on January 15, 1941 and graduated from Texas Wesleyan College in Fort Worth, Texas.
After working at Southwestern Bell and Texas Instruments, he entered the law enforcement field as one of the first special agents (badge number 1175) with the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs—the precursor agency to the Drug Enforcement Administration. As an agent, he was recognized many times for his outstanding work on undercover operations, including receiving a special commendation from U.S. Representative Carl Albert, Speaker of the House, for saving the life of an Oklahoma police officer. A special agent for over 20 years, Mr. Battleson ultimately became a U.S. Customs aviation officer, flying surveillance operations out of San Diego, California, along the U.S.-Mexico border.
After moving to Virginia, he became a substance abuse counselor for Middle Peninsula-Northern Neck Community Services Board and a local probation officer for Community Corrections in Warsaw.
He volunteered a great amount of time to Premier Associates, an educational program for troubled teens and their parents, where he formed some of the most important friendships of his later life.
He concluded his working career serving part-time as a mail carrier for the U.S. Post Office in Urbanna.
Ed was more than a father, son, brother, or friend; he was a hero. Many lived a fuller life due to his words and guidance. He enriched our lives and we will never forget his charm, spirit, confidence, and witty, ever-sharp sense of humor. He loved to quote lines from his favorite movies.
He is survived by his mother, Mariella Mumaw Battleson; partner, O’Connell McKeon; daughters, Robin Battleson Barber, Rebecca Chambers, Rachel Battleson and Regina Mariella Price; sons-in-law, Greg Chambers and Billy Price; grandsons, Dylan and Ryan Chambers, and Grant and Colt Buonviri; sisters, Mary Lou Shindler and Melinda Collier; brothers, Philip Battleson and Andrew Battleson; brother-in-law, Elliott Shindler; sister-in-law, Katherine Battleson; aunts, Katherine Mumaw Nally, Henrietta Mumaw Fraley and Mary Mumaw; and uncle, Keith Mumaw.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060; or Children’s Medical Services International, 1107 Grove Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220.
