Theodore Selby

Theodore Selby
Theodore (Ted) William Selby died peacefully on March 25th, 2022, surrounded by family. For 93 years, Ted lived a rich and full life, his keen mind discovering scientific marvels until the end - he proudly received his 58th patent just two weeks prior to his death. Toward the end, he spoke frequently of his excitement to meet the Lord and join Jean, his wife of 67 years, who predeceased him in 2018.
Ted was born October 19, 1928, in Nebraska City, Nebraska, the oldest son of a scientist and inventor who was frequently transferred for job promotions. Consequently, the Selby clan moved to Iowa, New York City, Chicago, and Detroit. Along the way, young Ted learned important skills of sharp observation, self-sufficiency, and the ability to connect and build rapport with people of many different backgrounds.
Ted met his wife, Jean Gale Campbell, at the University of Detroit and they were married in 1951. While pursuing his Doctorate Degree in Physical Chemistry from the U of D in the 1950s, Ted found his technical calling as a research scientist at General Motors, where he was honored in receiving both the Russell S. Springer and Henry Ford Memorial Awards from the Society of Automotive Engineers, the first time these two awards were presented to the same person.
In 1963, Ted moved his family to Midland to assist Dow Chemical with expansion of its automotive lubrication capabilities. Ever the entrepreneur, Ted made a tough decision in 1969 to leave a good job at Dow Chemical to pursue his passion for problem-solving in the field of lubrication, and the consulting firm, Savant, was born. With nine children at home at the time, the move was not without considerable risk. However, Ted embraced the belief that the greatest achievements are usually the hardest, but that with faith anything is possible.
Today, that one-man consulting firm has grown into a globally recognized consortium of businesses consisting of a laboratory and research center, manufacturers of advanced laboratory testing instruments, an on-line database of technical data, and precision machining shops. When asked the secret to success, Ted, a devout Christian, always gave credit to God for the many opportunities he was offered, to the strong and steady support of his family, particularly his wife Jean, and to the dedicated employees of the Savant Group – whom he always considered his work family.
Ted is survived by nine children and one foster son, Kathleen Convissor, Mark (Linda) Selby, Shawn (John) Bunch, S. Diane Selby, Scott Selby, Cynthia Selby, Rebecca (Gordon) Cox, Chiara Barbier, Doug (Jennifer) Selby, and Ahmed Jabbar; 18 grandchildren, Joseph (Erica) Cesarz, Naomi (Timothy) Nelson, Esther (Andrew) Kyte, Lucian (Francesca) Cesarz, R. Stephen Cesarz, Julia Convissor, Elizabeth Anne Selby, Daniel Selby, Theodore (Eva Hall) Bunch, Nathan (Sarah Faye) Bunch, Katheryn (Jesse) Parke, Michael Selby, Adrienne (Ben Fierman) Jacobs, Andrea (Brandon Carr) Jacobs, Quinlan Cox, Maitea Cox, Ava Selby, and Oliver Selby; 11 great grandchildren, Coco Cesarz, Ignatius Cesarz, Wanda Bee Cesarz, Ingrid Nelson, August Nelson, Tobias Kyte, Nolan Kyte, Mason Cesarz, Ella Cesarz, Carlin Parke, and Elizabeth Parke; two siblings, Sharon Selby and Daniel (Maureen) Selby; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ted was predeceased by his wife, Jean Selby, son Timothy Selby, son-in-law Richard Cesarz, sister Patricia Selby, and parents Theodore R. and Marge (Bates) Selby.
Ted was a friend and mentor to many. He lived life passionately and left a legacy of curiosity, innovation, faith, and perseverance. His passing marks the end of this chapter of a truly remarkable man.
Visitation will be held from 4:00pm – 8:00pm Sunday on April 3 at Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler, Midland with a Wake Service beginning at 6:00pm.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00am Monday on April 4 at St. Brigid Catholic Church, 207 Ashman, Midland with burial immediately following.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00pm – 2:00pm on Monday April 4 at Midland Center for the Arts, 1801 W. Saint Andrews, Midland.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Pinecrest Farms or St. Brigid Church.
Arrangements for Theodore have been entrusted to the care of the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Directors.