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Col. Timberlake Obituary
OCTOBER 18, 2013
Taps have sounded for a "Soldier's Soldier." Colonel TedSan Stuart Timberlake who died October 18, 2013. He was born in Koblentz, Germany, December 3, 1921 of American parents: General Edward W. Timberlake and Mary Ala Pierce Timberlake, stationed in occupied Germany following World War I. He followed a military career to many countries and into the hearts of hundreds of soldiers and ROTC cadets. His military bearing, smile, deep voice and compasion combined to fashion his unique leadership style. He loved his country, home and family with a techni-colored spirit. Laughter was interspersed with discipline to produce a warm and welcoming personality.
He is survived by his wife, Dr. Lois P. "Polly" Timberlake, of whom he would often say, "She makes my day." His three surviving children are Sally Jackson Timberlake, Beau Jackson Timberlake and TedSan Stuart Timberlake Jr. There are five grandchildren: Beau, Elizabeth, Katelyn, Erin and Kelsey Timberlake. His step-children are the Reverend Doctor Valerie Bell and Reece Devon Hobby III. Grandchildren are: Nathaniel, Larkin, Jarrett and Kara.
Ted's brother, Pierce Timberlake and his half-brother, Kimbell Ouerbacker Jr. preceded him in death. He is survived by his brother Wrenne Timberlake and his half-sister, Alice "Lissa" Timberlake Lehman .
His military service was in the Army Infantry, serving in the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. He jumped with the forces on D Day. After his service in Europe during World War II, he was assigned as Provost Marshall on the island of Hokaido, Japan. Later, he would serve in the Korean conflict. Perhaps, his favorite assignment was five years in Rio de Janerio, Brazil where he organized a Brazilian Parachute Division. During that period he would direct military operations to various countries in South America. He was fluent in Portuguese and loved the Brazilian people.
Following his Brazilian posting, he was assigned to Kemper Military School and College as Senior ROTC instructor. When it became necessary for him to resign from the military due to the illness of his first wife, he remained at Kemper as Commandant of Cadets for several years. He became the Senior Army ROTC Director in Lee County, with offices at Cypress Lake High School, and developed a country wide program that became number one in the nation. His wife, Dr. Timberlake, joined him as a teacher and administrator in the Lee County School System. Upon his retirement, he continued to serve his community as a member of the Lee County School Board.
Among his numerous medals and citations, were the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Purple Hearts, and both United States and Brazilian Master Parachutist Badges.
In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorials go to the Alvin Dubin Alzheimer's Resource Center, 12468 Brantley Commons Court, Fort Myers, FL 33907 or Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church, 19251 North Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers, Fl 33903. The family will receive friends on Monday, Oct. 21st, from 5 - 7 pm at Harvey-Engelhardt Funeral Home, 1600 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. A funeral service celebrating the Colonels life will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 22nd, at 1 pm at Holy Trinity Presbyterian Church in North Fort Myers. Colonel Timberlake will be buried with honors at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL the following day. Please visit www.harvey-engelhardt.com to leave a condolence to the family or share a memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Col. Timberlake
Carlos Gottfried
September 27, 2025
All I have is great experiences and memories of Col. Timberlake at Kemper, when I was a cadet there from 1966-1969, and wish to salute him, and give my warmest regards to all his offspring who I knew during my Kemper years, Sally, Beau, and TedSan Jr. Carlos Gottfried [email protected] written at the Kemper Alumni Reunion in Boonville today September 27, 2026.
Nathaniel L Young Jr
December 24, 2022
His military bearing at Kemper in 62-64 is what convinced me I too wanted to spend 30 years in the Army...and did.
James Kebbel
October 14, 2019
I still have the glowing recommendation that Col Timberlake gave me when I was going to apply for an ROTC scholarship. I ended up enlisting and not needing it, but it still means a lot to me with what he wrote. He is, not was, definitely a man to look up to and be proud of.
Bill Barber
October 5, 2014
A real role model for this young cadet of 15. We all thought he could walk on water. Bill Barber KEM 58-59
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Linda Stout Potter
February 21, 2014
I will chase Pink Elephants, play ghost trail and never look at an ant hill and a magnifying glass the same way.... Thank you for the tent "forts" and fond memories of growing up with your children under your watchful eye... You were always "grace under pressure" the Father of the Year with a quick laugh and sparkling eyes.... I will miss you always....
November 10, 2013
ColonelTimberlake,
You spread your arms to protect us and serve. I will be forever be grateful for your direction in my life.
John Colliflower KMS 69-72
Wyman W. Barber Jr.
October 27, 2013
As one of his JROTC Cadets (Cypress Lake HS, Class of 1982), Col. Timberlake had profound influence in my life. I am grateful for the honor of having known him. The world is a lesser place without him.
Rich Bloise
October 25, 2013
Something must be amiss in heaven, lord grabbed col. T. to sort it out. In our hearts forever, sir.
Alex Nurse from Sunrise
October 24, 2013
Ted will be remembered with love and laughter. You two made "a great team"! My heart goes out to you at this time of great loss.
A.j. Rieser, Jr
October 24, 2013
Attended Kemper Military College 1966-68, Colonel Timberlake was our Commandant. Did not realize/recognize the positive impact and influence the institution had on me for several years. Reading of "Col. "T's" passing, I know now that much of the positive impact was due to his influence. Godspeed Col. "T".
October 22, 2013
Our deepest sympathy and God's peace to the family of Col. Timberlake. Rev. Donald S. Roberts and Paula S. Roberts, former staff at Ft. Myers High Exceptional Learning Center and graduates of FMHS and Cypress Lake High, respectively.
Connie Bartholomew
October 22, 2013
Polly,
I am so sorry to hear about Ted. I will always have great memories of working with you and Ted at Cypress Lake High. What a wonderful and gracious man Ted was. He was the embodiment of a perfect military man to me. I still smile to myself when I think of you and he together and miss seeing that tenderness in other couples now. My sympathy to you and your families. Thank you for the wonderful first years of teaching for me. What a great example you both were.
Carletta Kershaw
October 22, 2013
Mrs. Timberlake, So sorry for your loss of a special man, your husband, Ted. He was a great man and loved so much by you. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time in your life. God bless Carletta (Page Rehab)
Wm. R. and Patrich Simpson
October 22, 2013
We are truly saddened to learn that another elite member of the "greatest generation" has left us. We offer our heartfelt condolences for the loss of your loved one. Please know that our thoughts are of you during this difficult time. We hope your spirits will be lifted with the knowledge that Col. T. was a most beloved man who impacted so many lives in a positive manner. We are grateful to have known him. Wm. R. and Patrich Simpson
October 22, 2013
I am a better person having known and worked with Ted. He was a great inspiration. God bless you, Polly, with many fond memories.
Audrey Hix (Cypress now living in Lake Placid FL)
Echo Company, Kemper Military School
John Downs,LtCol,USA,Ret.
October 21, 2013
The Officers and staff of Echo Company, Kemper Military School extend our most sincere and heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Colonel Tedsan Timberlake. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Kate Jones
October 21, 2013
"My Ted" I will miss you more than words can express. I will always remember your "cheeky" grin, your amazing blue sparkling eyes and and your gentle manner. I have been blessed to have you in my life as well as your dear wife Polly and family. Fly with the angels my sweet Ted. Love and remembering always. "the little one"
Susan Kelly
October 21, 2013
I loved your (the Col.'s) enthusiasm for our Project SEAS adventure as teachers. I loved seeing Col. & Dr. T. look at one another with such adoration. God bless you Dr. T. and all the family of such a great and loving man. Susan (Shadle) Kelly
Robert Herr
October 21, 2013
Fond memories of a GREAT man.
Bob Herr
KMS 62-66
Bonnie Timberlake
October 21, 2013
You are loved by many and will be missed by all who knew you. You truly were an Officer and a Gentleman. I have many fond memories to share with my girls. We love you.
Mark Gemme
October 20, 2013
COL. Timberlake was an inspiration to me and all of the cadets in the JROTC at Cypress Lake High. He was a great man and will be missed by many. JROTC 1984-1988
Douglas HUMPHEREY
October 20, 2013
To Ted and the rest of the Timberlake family the thoughts and prayers of the Kemper Military School and college Alumni Association are with you! If its anything that the Alumni Association can do to help in easing your sorrow please let us know! Be blessed! From your Kemper family!! (NUNQUAM NON PARATUS)
Barbara Bates-Alternative
October 20, 2013
A wonderful man who will be missed by so many. You were great influence on myself and all of us cadets from Lee County. My prayers are with your family.
October 20, 2013
The song "All gave some, some gave all" reminds me of him. Though he was not killed in action, he served his nation, his community and his family with no less dedication. I cried when I saw the announcement. SFC (R) Jim Kebbel
Wilma Martin
October 20, 2013
I remember him with fond memories. He was an honorable man and a great colleague.
October 20, 2013
Col. Timberlake has always been a very special man in my life and I know I'm a better man because of him. When I think of my years at Kemper the Colonel always comes to mind and he will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with the Timberlake family.
Charles LeBus KMS 1965-1970
Longview, Texas
2012 - Seeing young Tedsan after 50 years.
Lynn West Mullen
October 20, 2013
Col. Timberlake was an amazing man. He touched so many lives and every Kemper cadet that I knew revered this man. He and his family were our neighbors for 3 months when we first moved to Boonville, MO. until we moved into our permanent home. As the daughter of Kemper's 6th President (KMS 1959-1962) , we lived across the street from Kemper. I had such a crush on "Major T" and when I'd visit my dad at his office, I would also go by Major T's office to say hello. If he was busy, I'd wave to him from the hallway. He would smile and wave back, and he always seemed so glad that I stopped by (he probably thought, in reality, I was a pest). LOVED him so much and Mrs. "T" (Sally) as well. They were great friends of our family. Polly, Sally, Beau and Ted, you and your families all have my deepest sympathy and love. May your memories sustain you. This comes with much love and affection. ? Lynn West
Ken Barley
October 19, 2013
Col. Timberlake was one of a kind! A great military man and most of all a great person. I thought a lot of him. I'm guessing that Heaven is getten to be a party by now. With heavy Hearts.
Ken Barley
Kemper Military School (1958-1963)
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