Theodore Curtis Cation

1918 - 2015

PEORIA, IL - Theodore Curtis "Ted" Cation, 97, of Peoria passed away at 1:25 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015, at St. Joseph Home in Springfield, Illinois.

Ted was born in Peoria on July 15, 1918, to the late Ernest and Olga (Ohmann-Belsley) Cation. He lived in Peoria until 2012 when he moved to Springfield. He married Mary Donnelly on March 9, 1943, in Peoria. She preceded him in death in April 2, 2015.

He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Clapp.

He is survived by five children, Kit (Harvey) Schneider of New York, Mary Beth (Adam) Garnett of Florida, Ted Cation Jr. of Texas, David Cation of Chatham, and Karen (Matt) Gill of Springfield; six grandchildren, Andrew and Eric Garnett, Alan and Katie Cation, Tyler and Lauren Gill; three great-grandchildren, Conrad, Dean and Alec Garnett; and his brother, Jim Cation.

Ted loved to play his saxophone and marched in the Bradley band where he graduated in 1940 with an economics and accounting degree. He was the manager of Schafer Electric in Peoria until his retirement.

Ted was one of the first draft picks in Peoria and he served his country as a first lieutenant in the Army during World War II.

He loved photography, music, reading and the love of his life Mary, whom he shared 72 years and was blessed with six children. He also loved to travel, spend time in his garden, ballroom dance, and enjoy his many friends and family.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial Mass will be at a later date at St. Thomas Catholic Church.

Memorials may be made to Death with Dignity National Center.

Friends may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com.