Theodore Norris Freed

Theodore Freed, 77, of Overland Park, KS passed away December 10, 2011 at home. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, December 16, 2011, 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Holy Cross, 8311 W. 93rd St., Overland Park, KS with a luncheon to follow. Cremation and private burial later. Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Action (www.canceractionkc.org) or Sister Servants of Mary, 800 N. 18th St., Kansas City, KS 66102.

Ted was born October 18, 1934 in Albany, MO and was raised by his grandparents. Ted graduated from Grant City High School and attended the University of Iowa on a basketball scholarship. He left school and joined the Army, serving in the 101st Airborne. He was stationed one winter in Korea and finished the remainder of his tour stateside. Ted went back to college, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from UMKC.

Ted was an educator with CSD #1 in Hickman Mills for 30 years. He taught science at Baptiste Junior High School and served as an assistant principal for 15 years at Ervin Junior High. Ted retired in 1991. Then, for fun, he drove a delivery truck for Napoleon Bakery for ten years, making lasting friends with people on his route. He was an avid reader and race car fan. There was not a pretentious bone in his body.

Ted tried to make every day fun and found enjoyment in simple pleasures, like walking the neighbors’ dogs and spreading his unique and sincere brand of cheer to everyone he met. He and his wife, Stephanie, enjoyed 26 years of loving marriage.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and son Kevin.

Ted is survived by his “girl” Stephanie, son Lance from a previous marriage (Phoenix, AZ), and relatives Patrick, Paula, Jack and Scott Brown.