Ted Thompson Santon

1934 - 2016

Ted Thompson Santon
August 7, 1934 - August 10, 2016
Danville, California
A life that touched so many lives…
Ted Thompson Santon was born on August 7, 1934 in Bluffton, Indiana to Ralph Dean Santon and Martha Markley Thompson Santon. He passed away on August 10, 2016 in Newport Coast, California.
Ted's remarkable life was shaped by a family that encouraged loyalty and a strong work ethic. As a successful high school athlete, he learned the importance of teamwork and coaching. He gained his business savvy and a degree in Business Administration at Indiana University in Bloomington where he was member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He proudly served in the Indiana National Guard. In 1958, Ted began his professional journey with the Lincoln National Life Insurance Company where he enjoyed an exceptional forty-two year career. He began as Sales Manager in Fort Wayne, then General Agent in Seattle, then Vice President /Western Region and eventually General Agent in San Francisco. In 1980, the Santon/Horn Agency was launched when Nick Horn joined Ted for an amazing twenty year partnership that created the most successful agency within Lincoln Financial Advisors. It became a model in their company and industry. Ted's unique brand of warm, wise and attentive leadership made an indelible impact on the careers and lives of hundreds.
He was formerly married to Nancy Baird with whom he had two daughters.
Ted was a coach, mentor, manager and friend who genuinely cared about his family and the people in his life. Inspiring others with a warm smile, an encouraging word or a reassuring pat on the back...he was "one of a kind". He loved The Niners, The Giants and playing golf at Blackhawk Country Club with his many friends. He was a humble man who appreciated the blessings in his life and never took them for granted.
Beloved husband and brother, adored father and Papa, Ted is survived by his wife of 35 years, Judi Schimmel Santon; Danville, daughters Ellen Santon Field; Fresno and Barbara Santon (Jim) Westermeyer; Clayton, grandchildren Kelsey and Lucas Ted Westermeyer, sister Karen (Rex) Athan; Irvine and other loving family members and dedicated caregivers.
Contributions can be made to:
VITAS Healthcare, 355 Lennon Ln, #150, Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (Hospice)
Sentinels of Freedom, PO Box 1316, San Ramon, CA 94583
Wardrobe for Opportunity, 570 14th St., # 5, Oakland, CA 94612.


View the online memorial for Ted  Thompson Santon