Francis "Bud" L. Battle

Francis Lyman “Bud” Battle, Jr. was born in Chicago on October 24, 1944, to Loretta Marie Battle (nee Jung) and Francis Lyman Battle, Sr.  Bud’s father was in the Army, serving in the Pacific Theater of World War II, at the time of Bud’s birth.

Bud’s siblings are Leeanne McGrath (Thomas), Barbara Cleary (Steve), Gregory Battle (Alice Mary Bock) and Elizabeth Lovoy (Randy.)

Bud married Linda Reynolds. He helped to raise her children, Steven Albarado (Susan) and Erica Shanks (Chris).  Bud loved Steven and Erica as a father, a feeling they returned to Bud. Erica has a son and daughter, Patrick and Shelby.  Steven has two daughters, Hadley and Harper, as well as many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Bud and his siblings grew up on the South Side of Chicago.  He attended Queen of Martyrs Grammar School and Brother Rice High School.  In high school, Bud built a working television set for a science fair.  As a young man, he enjoyed his Triumph sports car, which he raced at the Oswego Speedway.  He also enjoyed boating with his many high school friends. 

After high school, Bud earned an associate degree from DeVry Technical Institute.  In 1967, during the Viet Nam War, Bud was drafted into the Army.  He served in Germany, using his electrical technician skills.  After the Army, Bud used the GI Bill to earn an undergraduate degree and master of science degree from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana (1975). He was awarded first place honors in 1972 in a collegiate science fair for designing and building a mechanical “mouse” that ran through a maze and learned the shortest route, beginning to end.

Bud’s first job after college was with Eagle Signal in Davenport, Iowa, where he earned several patents for his work on an electrical device that counted cars and switched signals for stoplights.  Bud moved to Austin, Texas continuing his work with Eagle Signal. He spent the majority of his career living in Austin, Texas, later working for Motorola.  After retirement, he continued to work as a consultant for GIT Satellite

Bud loved to play chess with family and friends. He often walked with his daughter, Erica, in Madison’s parks. Another of his passions was playing Santa Claus. Every September he would start growing his snow-white beard for the role. By 1984, he was delighting friends and family, acting as Santa Claus’s helper.  Bud continued playing Santa up until Christmas 2021.

Bud moved to Madison, Wisconsin in February 2022.  He loved being near his family, and he looked forward to seeing the area trees’ autumn color show.  

Bud’s health problems and treatments started while he lived in Austin.  When asked how he was doing, he would reply that all his vital signs were strong and he was in no pain.  His treatments continued in Madison, and Bud had only good things to say about the care he received from staff at both Austin and Madison VA hospitals.

Bud passed away August 19 in his home, supported by family and AGrace Hospice services. Following a private memorial service, interment will be at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery.

Informed Choice Funeral & Cremation Alternatives

3325 E. Washington Ave.

Madison, WI 53704