Theodore Walters

CARDINGTON - Theodore "Tedd" Walters, 91, of Cardington, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. Tedd was born on January 3, 1934, in Marion, Ohio, to the late Woodrow and Dorothy (Gilmore) Walters.

He attended North Main Street grade school, grew up next door to Emmanuel Baptist Church and having a Godly mother whenever the doors were open, they were there. Reverend Marvin Crabtree baptized him in the Rock Swale Creek on Hillman Ford Road. In the summers he was a lifeguard at Reverend Holiday's Big Island Camp. He was a lifelong member of Trinity Baptist Church, Forward Sunday School, and past president of Baptist Men of Ohio.

He was a graduate of Meeker High School and attended college for 2 years and went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Army for six years. Four years serving at the US Military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany he was a medic and later stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. Following his military service, Tedd earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from Ohio Northern University. He spent working in his early years at General Motors, Swan Rubber, and Bordon Burger Foods. He went on to enjoy a long and meaningful career as a Training Manager and later became the Safety Manager at Wyandot, Inc. in Marion, where he worked for 33 years until his retirement.

Tedd and Nancy traveled and were avid Southern Gospel Music fans attending concerts and cruises. They also did 2 step dancing with several dance clubs. His Lifelong hobby was photography, after buying his first camera while stationed in Germany. He bicycled for 5 years in the Tour of Scioto River Valley, TOSRV from Columbus to Portsmouth. (210 miles). He enjoyed iron skillet cooking and sitting on his cabin porch reading books by Louis L'Amour. His favorite drink was coffee and taking a drive every week to the White Castle or Waffle House.

Tedd was a member and past president of the local Gleaner's Chester Arbor and Ohio Association of Gleaner's Insurance. He enjoyed exercising with the Sassy Seniors in Mt Gilead. After retirement he helped Pastor Steve Dennis in the office at St. Paul Lutheran church in Cardington.

He loved family times together for birthdays, holiday dinners and the special trips to Disney, cabins in Gatlinburg, white water rafting, Hocking Hills zip lining, and picnics playing croquet, bocce ball, corn hole, shuffleboard, and making homemade ice cream.

On October 23, 1971, Tedd married the love of his life, Nancy (Rush), at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Cardington by Reverend Patrick Kelly. Tedd and Nancy spent 53 wonderful years together and she survives in Cardington.

In addition to his wife, Tedd is survived by his sister-in-law, Patty (Steve) Kirk of Cardington. Nieces and Nephews, Kyle (Kelly) Kirk of Delaware, Ohio, Kory (Char) Kirk and their children Mia and Evan of Murfreesboro, TN. and Chelsea Clum. In addition to his parents, Tedd was preceded in death by his brothers Bobby Dale and Carl Gene, his sister Joyce Bendle and his brother-in-law Kenny Rush.

Tedd will be remembered for his dedication to family and country and his unwavering work ethic. His presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Friends may call on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Gompf Funeral Home, 440 Center Street in Cardington. The funeral service will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 336 West Main Street in Cardington at 11:00 AM with Pastor Steven Dennis officiating. There will be no graveside service. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider a church of your choice, charitable organization, or person in need. Gompf Funeral Service of Cardington is honored to have been chosen to assist the Walters family with Tedd's final wishes and condolences may be expressed at www.gompffh.com.