Robert L. Tedrick

In Loving Memory of Robert L Tedrick
May 16, 1935 – July 15, 2025
Robert L Tedrick, a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, delighted great-grandfather, and decorated Air Force officer, passed away peacefully on July 15th, 2025. Born on May 16, 1935, at White Cross Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, Robert was the beloved son of Marvin Ray Tedrick and Helen Treva Smith Tedrick. He was preceded in death by his infant brother, Donald Smith Tedrick (1933), his parents, and his cherished wife of 58 years, Vera Lucille Reynolds Tedrick (2019).
Robert's early years were marked by resilience and transition. Following the passing of his mother in 1943, he lived in various cities including Upper Arlington, Ohio; Fresno, California; and Kileville, Ohio, where he resided through his formative years and graduated from Plain City high school. He went on to attend The Ohio State University, where he graduated in 1959 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force through ROTC, beginning a distinguished military career that spanned over two decades.
A humble veteran, Robert served his country with honor and distinction across the globe. His Air Force journey took him, and often his family, to bases in Texas, South Carolina, New Jersey, Virginia, Illinois, California, Okinawa, Japan and the Netherlands. Along the way, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, forged lifelong friendships, and earned a Master's Degree from Webster's University in St. Louis. His dedication to duty was only surpassed by his devotion to his family.
On September 2, 1961, Robert married the love of his life, Vera Lucille Reynolds, in Plain City, Ohio at the Plain City Presbyterian Church. They shared 58 beautiful years together, raising a family rooted in love, learning, and service. Their honeymoon to Niagara Falls and Quebec was the beginning of a life filled with shared adventures, love, and partnership. Though their planned anniversary trip to revisit those early memories in 2001 was interrupted by the tragic events of 9/11, their bond remained a steadfast and enduring love story.
Together, Robert and Vera raised three devoted children who carry on their legacy:
John Michael Tedrick and his wife Renee Lavelle Tedrick, along with their children Madelaine Renee Tedrick (fiancé Branson Guest) and Joseph Lavelle Tedrick.
Margaret Anne Tedrick Murphy and her husband Sean Everett Murphy Sr., their son Sean Everett Murphy Jr. (wife Lizzie Barrera Murphy), grandchildren Sean Everett Murphy III and Isabel Vera Murphy, son Liam Murphy (wife Kayla Baumgardt Murphy), and daughter Grace Murphy.
Ann-Marie Tedrick, and her daughter Eva Jane Tedrick.
Robert is also lovingly remembered by his extended family, including his brother-in-law Charles Short, sister-in-law Evelyn Reynolds Steinberg, and numerous nieces, nephews, their children, and grandchildren.
Following his military retirement in 1981, Robert transitioned to civilian life with characteristic determination. He earned a Master's in Accounting at Cleveland State University and worked as an Estate Accountant for Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease until his retirement in 2000. He was also a member of the Columbus Chapter of MOAA, the Benjamin Franklin Chapter of the SAR, a Past Master at the New England Lodge No. 4 F & AM, and a member of the Worthington United Methodist Church.
Robert was a man of integrity, intelligence, and quiet humor. He had a deep love for history, family traditions, and education. His life was defined by service, to his country, to his family, and to his community. He was not only a witness to history but an active and humble participant in shaping it through decades of military and professional service.
Though we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life well lived, marked by sacrifice, love, joy, laughter, honor, and faith. His memory will be cherished and carried forward by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be 9 a.m. Saturday July 26th, 2025, at Ferguson Funeral Home, Plain City, Ohio, with Service at 10:30 a.m. and interment alongside his beloved wife Vera to follow at Forest Grove Cemetery.
"Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23
Please visit www.fergusonfuneralhomeinc.com to share a special memory. Ferguson Funeral Home Plain City, Ohio is honored to care for the Tedrick family.