Raymond W. Battest, 89, of Doland, SD, died Wednesday, September 7, 2011 at Community Memorial Hospital in Redfield. Raymond was cremated and his memorial service will be Monday, September 12, 2011 at 10:30 at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. Reverend Kris Larson will officiate. Cremains burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Frankfort, SD, with military honors. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Raymond was born September 5, 1922 near Frankfort, SD, to William and Louise (Meyer) Battest. He attended Doland High School and served in the United States Army, during World War II, from 1943-1946. He served overseas and met and married his wife Denise Ecolsse. They were married March 23, 1946 in Paris, France. After his discharge, they farmed northwest of Doland until 1995 when they retired and moved into Doland. Raymond worked for Leland and Kathy Iverson for a few years after he retired.

He was a member of the Redfield VFW and the Doland American Legion.

He enjoyed fishing and visiting with his family, friends and neighbors.

Raymond is survived by his wife Denise of Doland; his son Dwight of Doland; four brothers: Lloyd (Dee) Battest of Doland; Harold Battest of Eureka, MT; Richard (Alice) Battest of Beulah, ND; and Norman (Janice) Battest of Barstow, CA; and one sister Delores Ellis of Sioux Falls, SD; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers: Bernard, Donald and Robert and his sister Betty Young.