Theodore Augustus Beadle

Theodore Augustus Beadle, age 82, of The Charles C. Knox Home, Wynnewood, PA., and formerly of Ardmore, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, April 11. Born to Katherine Gallagher Beadle and Theodore Augustus Beadle, he lived most of his life on the Main Line. Tod graduated from Radnor High School, where he played football and basketball, and remained active with the Radnor Alumni Association until the last few months of his life. He then earned a degree at Washington & Jefferson College, where he met his future bride. Following graduation in 1952, he enlisted in the US Army and then married Elizabeth Rudisill of York, PA. The army posted him to Orleans, France, and he and Elizabeth enjoyed the opportunity to travel in France and England during that time. Upon their return to the US, he embarked on a career dedicated to public transportation. First, with the Pennsylvania Railroad, then SEPTA and Amtrak. He loved the railroad and the people he worked with, and after retirement became active with the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, the Mutual Benefit Association, and other similar groups. Work took him and his family to Pittsburgh, then Ohio and Chicago for several years; but he happily returned to the Ardmore area in 1964. Here, he got involved with the local Democratic party, and later worked at the Montgomery County Courthouse. He believed in the democratic process and the responsibility of every citizen to cast an informed vote. After his daughters' lives took them to West Virginia, Colorado, and Oregon, he and Elizabeth travelled regularly to visit them and their families, and to explore those states. He was committed to being the best grandparent he could, and attended every graduation even when distance and health concerns made those trips difficult. After his wife's death in 2008, Tod lived for extended periods of time in Colorado and Oregon, where he made many friends. Tod was committed to education and life-long learning. Every new experience became an opportunity to learn, and he liked to share what he learned in the form of articles for the MBA Mutual Magazine. He was predeceased by his parents, and by his wife Elizabeth Rudisill Beadle. Theodore is survived by son Timothy Beadle, of Ardmore, daughters Susan Rudisill of Oregon, and Michele Beadle-Ryby of Colorado, as well as by his brother Edward Beadle of Wallingford, PA, and his wife and children. His beloved grandchildren are Ralph Sky Manon, Benjamin Beadle Ryby and Alexandra Beadle-Ryby. He is also survived by sons-in-law Marc Beadle-Ryby and Charles Schnautz. His funeral was held at St. Colman's Roman Catholic Church, Ardmore, PA, on Monday, April 15. Memorial Contributions may be made to Radnor High School Scholarship Fund, Attn: Heather DiLalla, 130 King of Prussia Rd., Radnor, PA 19087 Chadwick & McKinney Funeral Home www.chadwickmckinney.com