Ted W. Lorts

Ted W. Lorts, aged 82, of Sharpsville passed away on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at Community North Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born on October 16, 1942 in Kokomo, Indiana to Wayne & Donna Dee (Cottingham) Lorts. On January 8, 1966 he married the love of his life, Sandy Rees. The couple enjoyed 57 years of marriage together before Sandy’s passing on April 30, 2023.

Ted started Lorts Welding early in life; later going to work at Haynes International. He then dedicated much of his professional life to the Chrysler Corporation in Kokomo as a millwright. His passion for racing spanned several decades, and he was named UMRA Quarter Midget Rookie of the Year in 1964. 

Ted joined Sharpsville Fire Department in 1964 and was a 60-year member of the fire department; serving as Chief for 30 of those years. He was a true public servant and helped save countless lives and protect numerous properties in Tipton County and the surrounding area throughout his career with the fire department. He also served on the Sharpsville Ambulance Service Board and Tri-Central School Board for several years.

Ted loved to be around people and spent a lot of his free time at the Tipton Elks Lodge #1012, where he was a member. He also enjoyed casting a line on occasion at his favorite fishing spot and later in life he started playing golf.

Ted is survived by his three sons James and wife Carol of Sharpsville, Robert and wife Jamie of Kokomo and Ted Lorts of Muncie; siblings, Sandy Ritchey and husband Jim of Sharpsville, Ricky Moeller and Ron of Sharpsville; five grandchildren; Andy, Cory, Carson, Peyton and Alana Lorts. Ted also has two great-grandchildren, Sage and Jermiah Lorts. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy and two brothers, Terry and Dickie Lorts.

Funeral services will be on Monday, January 6, at 11:00 a.m. at Young-Nichols Funeral Home with Pastor Heather Holman presiding. Burial will follow at Sharpsville Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Ted will be remembered for his kindness, dedication, and the many lives he touched throughout his remarkable life. Condolences for the Lorts family may be made on Ted’s obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sharpsville Fire Department, 158 W. Vine Street, Sharpsville, Indiana, 46068.