William Powell "Bill" Battiste

William Powell "Bill" Battiste, age 89, of Saint Peters, Missouri passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024. He was born in Irving, Illinois on July 10, 1934 to Frank Marco Battiste and Elizabeth Ellen Battiste (nee Padgett).

Bill is survived by his loving children, Andrea (David) Jennings, David (Nancy) Battiste, and Stephen Battiste; treasured grandchildren, Allison Jennings, Brian Jennings, Nicholas Battiste, Megan (Paul) Graham, Emily (Daniel) Darnell, Jess Battiste, Logan (Kyrah) Battiste, Tyler Battiste, Gabriel (Hannah) Battiste, and Chris Battiste; and cherished great-grandchildren, Margaret Graham, George Graham, Scarlett Battiste and another great-grandchild (boy) expected this summer; dear cousins Sharon (the late Glen) Hobbie, Glen (Debbie) Hobbie, and Linda (Jon) Hogan.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Pauline Regina Battiste; father, Frank Marco Battiste; and mother, Elizabeth Ellen Battiste.

Bill graduated from Beaumont High School in 1952, and then attended Harris Junior College where he received an associate degree in liberal arts. He met his bride-to-be, Pauline, while attending there. He furthered his education getting a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in History at Washington University.

He spent six years serving in the United States Army Reserves where he was a clerk typist.

Bill moved to the St. Louis area with his parents when he was 7 yrs. old and was proud to call it home his entire life. He was employed by the Normandy School District in 1958 and spent all his career with that district until his retirement in 1987. Bill taught social studies for 13 years, and served as director of adult evening school for 4 years. He completed his secondary school administration studies at UMSL in 1969 and then served as assistant principal for 2 years, although he preferred the classroom to the administrative duties.

During the 1960’s and amidst increasing racial disturbances at the high school, Bill was the student council advisor for 10 yrs. He would say that the most satisfying experience in his career was to establish a student action council where the council and black students could work together to bring about changes at the school through orderly democratic means.

Bill did many things throughout his life that brought him joy. He enjoyed playing golf, and bowled in leagues for many years. He had a signature throw in which the ball was propelled from hip height and landed with a bang on the alley.

Bill was a St. Louis sports fan his whole life. He watched all the Cardinals games through good and bad seasons, and always was eager to manage the team from his couch.

He enjoyed traveling and was the ultimate planner, organizing trips and cruises that he and Pauline would go on together. They had a time share in Branson and loved going there at least twice a year to see the Christmas lights or the international festival.

Bill read the St. Louis Post Dispatch every day and delighted in telling people what was going on in the city and what they should do even when he could no longer get out himself to enjoy those things. He had a coupon clipping passion, and it was a rare event when he didn’t have a coupon or paid full price for something. He loved reading consumer reports and mystery crime novels. His love of history kept him immersed in the news of the day, politics and world events.

Family gatherings were among Bill’s favorite times. He looked forward to all the game playing and especially playing hearts with his sons and grandsons. When you played with Bill the unspoken rule in his house was you can play the Queen on the first trick, so you better pass a club! It was a sure bet he was winning when he became silent, because when he was losing everyone heard about it.

Bill loved to make people laugh, and his dry, straight man humor would make everyone smile. Loving Pauline for 65 years of marriage was the job he loved most in the world. Their love story was a rare and wonderful blessing to them as well as to all who witnessed it. He would always hold Pauline’s hand and together is where he always wanted to be. He cared deeply for his family, remembering every birthday, and making sure a call with a rendition of “Happy birthday” was made on their special day. Bill leaves a legacy of a strong, faith-filled family, and deep appreciation for the guidance and love that he shared.

Memorial contributions may be made in William’s honor to the Missouri Historical Society.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Arlington United Methodist Church, 3770 McKelvey Road, Bridgeton, Missouri 63044. Service will begin at 10:00 am.

To share a memory of Bill or leave a special message for his family, please click the Share Memories button above.