Ivan Gilbert Battle

March 30, 1950, in Los Angeles, CA, Ivan Gilbert Battle was the 5th of 11 children born to the union of McKinley Battle Jr. and Mada Battle. His parents, oldest brother McKinley Battle III, and youngest sister Linda Gail Battle all preceded him in death.

Ivan attended Compton Ave. Elementary School and Markham Jr. High School in Los Angeles, CA. He attended David Starr Jordan High School where he played on the Varsity Basketball Team. Ivan attended Los Angeles Trade Tech and received his AA degree and later received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix.

Ivan worked as a Skycap for Ontario Airport in his early years along with working for Los Angeles Unified School District. He retired in 2002, as a Plant Manager IV after 35 years of dedicated service.

Ivan accepted Christ at an early age. He rededicated his life to Christ in 1996 when he joined Faith Center Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Donald R. Gridiron Sr. He was a member there for 24 years. Ivan chose to be baptized to show that he had a renewed joy and purpose to his life. He never failed to shout Hallelujah and Praise the Lord when his spirits were lifted.

On Valentines Day February 14, 1996, Ivan and Yolanda met and fell in love. They were married on July 27, 1996, in the city of Moreno Valley, CA. Together they were the proud parents of four children: Ivan, Allison, Alphonso, and Claresa.

Ivan was a proud man who was dedicated to his family. He took pride in all of his accomplishments in life. He instilled strong values in his children to strive to be the best that they can be in all areas of life. He always told his children and grandchildren that “the decisions you make in life will determine your outcome”. Ivan was an excellent role model for his children and family, leading by example.

Ivan loved tinkering in the garage and working on his cars. His pride and joy was the ‘65 Ford Falcon which he cherished since the age of 18 years old when he and his father went down to purchase it. Ivan loved classic cars and would attend car shows throughout Southern California. Ivan entered his classic 65 Ford Falcon into several shows and won awards. He also loved his Black FI50 Lightning SVT of which he and Yolanda toured the Country and took many Sunday drives. Last but not least, his Jeep Wrangler. Ivan and Yolanda loved to go “off-roading”, discovering places that could only be seen while exploring the “BackCountry” of Route 66 and other sites. Ivan and Yolanda also loved flying and taking cruises to different Countries and Islands. When they were not traveling, Ivan loved to hang out with his buddies at Toys for Trucks.

During the last two years, Ivan continued to do the things he enjoyed such as going to the movie theater with his family, eating at favorite restaurants, taking vacations, and visiting family and friends (unannounced). Their next rendezvous was to go to Las Vegas to get his brand new shoes shined at his favorite shoe shine location “The Orleans Hotel and Casino”. They were also planning to go to Texas to see his lifelong close friend Edmond Hickman, and to take a vacation with their children and grandchildren to Yosemite National Park this summer.

On May 29, 2020, at 5:13 PM, God said, come home my good and faithful servant and Ivan went to be with our Heavenly Father. He fought a good fight and never failed to let his children know he loved them on a consistent basis. He also let his soulmate Yolanda know that he loved her dearly, but it was time for him to make his journey home.

Ivan leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Yolanda M. Battle of Oak Hills, CA., his son Ivan (Marta) Battle of Cathedral City, CA., daughter Allison Spears of Oak Hills, CA., son Alphonso (Jamia) Spears III of Oak Hills, CA., and daughter Claresa Vaughn of Ontario, CA. Ivan also leaves to cherish his memory his siblings, Bernice Davis of Signal Hill, CA., Ann Owens of Irvine, CA., Deborah Bowman of Perris, CA., Winston Battle (Carol) of Wake Forest, NC., Marian (Mark) Lott of Los Angeles, CA., Harriet Bias (Michael) of La Habra, CA., Brian Battle of Paramount, CA., Patricia (Denny) Lee of La Habra, CA. Also to cherish his memory, 10 grandchildren, Alexis, James Ivan, Alphonso IV, Patricia, Jeffrey, Joseph, Jeremiah, Christopher, Preston, and Justus, his Aunt Ruth, a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and friends.

To the Love of My Life,

Ivan, my love, I’ll always cherish our 24 years together. When I prayed and asked God to send me my husband, I asked that he would be just for me and God blessed me with you. God knew my needs and my desires and he blessed me with the most wonderful love I could ever ask for. If any relationship could experience just a portion of the love we felt for each other, they would truly be blessed. Every good and perfect gift is from the Lord (James 1:17). You were my perfect gift. Some people might say “no one is perfect”. This is not to say that we did not have our trials, but one thing for sure, we always knew how to get through them because we wanted to have the God kind of marriage based on God’s word. Love covers a multitude of faults. You never failed to say “I’m sorry” and would apologize even when you didn’t have to. It would always be my pleasure to be there for you and to be your help-meet whenever and wherever you needed me. I knew your thoughts and you knew mine. We were inseparable. Ivan, you truly did what God wanted husbands to do. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself for it (Ephesians 5:25). Ivan, you truly loved me and gave of yourself for me. Nothing was too good for me. You always gave me the best of everything and always made sure that I was well taken care of. Having these qualities made it easy for me to submit to you in everything as unto the Lord. I thank you for being the head of our home and being a strong man led by God. I’m truly going to miss you “love” and there will never be a better love than the love God gave to me from you. I know you always said you love me more, but remember I’ll always love you most.

Love,

Yolanda

On Friday May 29, 2020 we lost a great man. We lost a friend, a cousin, an uncle, a brother, a father, grandfather and a husband. However for me I lost more than a father. I had strong BLACK Father who was always there. He led by example. He made sure to reiterate that his accomplishments can be my own.

Dad, I can't thank you enough for your tough love when raising me, the discipline you taught me and the strong work ethic you instilled in me. I wouldn't be the man I am today without you. I am a better husband, father and provider because of you. I Love you Pop! Rest In Peace!

Ivan Battle

I have several fond memories of Uncle Ivan. However, I’m only going to discuss two, which I think defines him. First, my near death experience had me down in the hospital for a week. Uncle Ivan, and Aunt Yolanda, traveled ninety-three miles one way to sit by side and support their sister. I remember stating, “Uncle that’s a long way!” He simply said with his baritone voice, “ It’s nothing.” That’s my uncle. He spoke his mind and did what was necessary. That is love.

Secondly, growing up my memory of Uncle Ivan, and his siblings were filled with a lot of laughter reminiscing on the past, and a lot of good food. I can still hear his laughter and see his smile.

My message to all whom are grieving is he lives in each and every one of us through your memories. Cherish them and remember you have each other.

I’d like to finish with a scripture that I hope comforts you during this time. Rom15:13 reads, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Thank you and love you,

Demetra

Words can’t describe what my uncle Ivan meant to me. I looked forward to him showing up after church just to see how his niece was doing. He was there for me when no else was. My uncle was very open minded with me and saw both sides. He was a blunt man. But there was no judgement just pure love. He always told me no body is perfect. We all make mistakes. What’s important is that we learn from them. I appreciate him being there when I needed him the most. I did not need shelter, financial assistance, nor food. What I needed was guidance and support. Because of him inspiring me and following up and encouraging me not to give up. He told me to fight for what’s mine and to stay in school. He believed in me when it felt like no one else did. My uncle Ivan was an amazing male figure in my life. He was a father figure to me and treated me with respect. I am so happy we had the family union a few years ago. That’s something he wanted. He always told me he wanted to be celebrated while he was alive. Family meant everything to him and I share those same feelings. My uncle Ivan was an amazing father, grandpa, husband, brother, nephew, and uncle. I am grateful I had the honor to be a part of his life. I’m still processing his passing, and I just can’t believe that he’s gone. There’s so much that I wanted to share with him on what would’ve been his 70th birthday that was canceled due to Covid-19. I love you and I miss you uncle Ivan.

Dear Mrs. Yolanda Battle,

I recently learned there was an opportunity to provide reflective thoughts for my Uncle Ivan and I wanted to do that. My deepest sympathies are for you and I send my prayers.

On behalf of myself, my Dad, Keith Battle, and my brother Andre Bessette, we share in grieving the loss of a great man, who cared so deeply for the institution of family and the Battle name. I will never forget Uncle Ivan mistaking me for my Aunt Harriet at my doctorate graduation party and another time, were he was so excited to tell me I looked just like a younger version of Aunt Ruth. He always made the connection of family and reminded me of how we all had a connection somehow, be it through facial features or through personality traits. I remember as a child thinking he was a real life giant. He was, in heart and spirit. He was always encouraging and supportive to me, and he will be deeply missed.

Very Best,

Nishaun T. Battle, Ph.D.

Pallbearers

Active Pallbearers Honorary Pallbearers

Ivan Jason Battle Brian Battle

James Ivan Battle Winston Battle

Bimbola Okurinboye Albert Burnett Jr.

Patrick Ragsdale Michael Burnett

Alphonso L. Spears III William Burnett

Alphonso L. Spears IV Jose Campos

Elijah Wilson Edmond Hickman

Acknowledgements

Because you cared…

You came to share;

Beautiful flowers and words of prayer;

Because you cared…

We were not alone,

Calls and visits reached our home;

Because you cared…

We are grateful indeed,

You’ve been sincere in comfort,

And attentive to our needs;

Because you cared…

We’re praying too,

For God’s richest blessing to reach each of you!

The Family

Church Resolution

In Loving Memory of Ivan Battle

No matter what your trials are, or how big your mountain seems; the Lord is there to see you through; He will go to all extremes. So, if your cross seems hard to bear, and you know not what to do; The One who loves you most of all will be there to see you through.

We, the members of Faith Center Ministries, want the family to know that our hearts are with you as you gather to bid a Christian good-bye to a brother and man of faith, Brother Ivan Battle.

Whereas Ivan Battle professed a hope in Christ and was a supporter of Faith Center Ministries.

Whereas Ivan Battle was a reverent man of prayer who loved the Lord. A very loyal and faithful person who encouraged his family to follow his example. He loved his family with a gentle, yet stern combination which only he possessed.

Whereas the angels welcome our beloved brother in Christ, there is a human tie that has been broken which leaves the heart in agony and pain. We are encouraged and consoled in the words of Jesus who said, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee”.

Therefore, Be It Resolved, that we embrace the family because all of us have a common bond that will connect us for the rest of your lives. We cannot replace Ivan Battle but will attempt to demonstrate his love for you.

To the family of Ivan Battle, we know your loss is deep and your sorrow is great, but we want you to know that we share in your sorrow, but more importantly, we recognize that this loss is Heaven’s Gain. When it is all over, we would like you to remember: In case there’s a time when you just need some cheer, In case there’s a problem you would like us to hear, In case there’s a favor you would like us to do- We’re here if you need us to help see you through.

Humbly submitted on this the 15th day of June 2020 by the Pastor and First Lady and the Members of Faith Center Ministries, Walnut, California - Donald R. Gridiron, Sr, Pastor. A copy of this resolution will be placed in the church files and a copy sent the family.

Church Administrative Assistant: Natasha Gridiron