Theodore William Yetts Jr.

Our dad, Ted W. Yetts, Jr., lived a life built on quiet strength, loyalty, and integrity. He didn’t have to say much, you just knew who he was by the way he carried himself, the way he treated people, and the way he loved our mom. Dad met Mom Gwynne during their sophomore year of high school, and from that day on, they were inseparable. Their story spanned more than seven decades — one of partnership, laughter, family, and unwavering devotion.

Dad graduated from Jesuit High School in Dallas in 1945, and at just 17 years old, he joined the U.S. Navy. He served for four years, learning the discipline, courage, and humility that would define his life. After his Navy service, he joined the U.S. Marine Reserves, and in October 1950 he was called to active duty, serving in the Korean War beginning that December. He didn’t talk much about what he saw or did there, but you could feel the quiet pride the pride of a man who served his country with honor.

When he came home, he began what would become a lifelong career in public service. In 1952, he joined the Dallas Police Department, protecting and serving the city for 27 years. After retiring in 1979, he joined the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department, where he worked another 17 years before finally “hanging it up” in 1996.

When he finally retired for good, Dad said he was ready to spend time with Mom to travel, to relax, and to enjoy the years they had earned together. And they did just that, traveling the world, seeing new places, and having joy in each other’s company. Dad wasn’t a man who chased attention. He was a man who showed up who worked hard, did what needed to be done, and treated everyone with respect. He believed in doing things right, keeping his word, and letting his actions speak louder than words.

When Mom passed away on January 11, 2020, a big part of him went with her. But even through that loss, he showed us grace, faith, and resilience. He stayed steady the same way he always had and carried her love with him every day. Dad’s legacy is simple and profound: faith, service, family, and love. He showed us that real strength is quiet, that the best kind of love lasts, and that a good life isn’t about what you collect, it’s about who you are and what you give to others. Now he’s back where he belongs with Mom, together again. And while we’ll miss him more than words can say, we take comfort knowing they’re side by side, watching over us, as they always have.

“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” — Proverbs 13:22

A visitation will be held on January 5, 2026, at Grove Hill Funeral Home, located at 3920 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, TX 75228, from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm. A rosary will follow at 7:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for January 6, 2026, at 9:00 am at Calvary Hill Cemetery - North Chapel (Mausoleum), located at 3235 Lombardy Ln, Dallas, TX 75220. Interment will follow at Calvary Hill Cemetery.