Theodore "Ted" Lawrence Satterfield

Ted was born in Iatan, Missouri on the 13th of February 1934 to Ella Fay and Robert Edwin Satterfield. Ted is survived and missed by his loving wife, Sondra “Sandy” Satterfield, of 49 years and his children, Robyn, Timothy (Letitia), and Kris Lee (Debbie), his sister Lois (Ron), and his daughter-in-law Cindy Satterfield. Ted was predeceased by his sons Christopher (Anita) and Michael (Anne), who both adored him, and his first wife Betty Waggoner.

He attended Bonner Springs High School and graduated with the class of 1951. Ted began preaching at 16 years of age at Bethany Christian Church. He was ordained at the Edwardsville Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on September 21st, 1952. He received his BA at Manhattan Bible College (where he was a ping pong champion), his Master of Divinity at Nazarene Theological Seminary, and ultimately earned his Doctor of Ministry at Lexington Theological Seminary. Ted was a minister at Rossville Christian Church (Rossville, KS), Clyde Christian Church (Clyde, KS)— where he was a member of a barbershop quartet, “The Clyde Aires”— and First Christian Church (Kansas City, KS), before becoming a Chaplin for Goodwill Industries. He worked for the Social Security Administration for 21 years, as a Claims Authorizer, Supervisor, EDTS, and Chief of Facilities Management Branch. He was on special assignment from SSA to Baltimore Maryland, where he also served at Severn Christian Church in Severn, MD. He went on to preach at Lone Jack Christian Church (Lone Jack, MO), Chelsea Park Christian Church (Kansas City, KS) and First Christian Church (Pleasanton, KS). He became the minister at Emerson Park Christian Church (Kansas City, KS) where he preached from 1992 until his death in 2026. He was a history consultant for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Greater Kansas City where he taught History and Polity, and sat on the Pulpit and Standing Committee for the region. He also participated in many other projects for the region.

Ted belonged to DeMolay Fraternity as a teenager and went on to become a Mason. He was Grand Chaplin of the Freemasons of Kansas. He was a member of Eastern Star, President of the Lion’s Club, served on the board for Argentine Activities Association, an active member of the Rotary Club. He was invited to join MENSA International — The oldest and largest high I.Q. society.

Ted had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and was an avid reader. He read everything from the classics to Stephen King, and of course, many different Bibles. Ted was also an avid Chiefs and Royals fan, rarely missing a game!

Ted and Sandy enjoyed traveling to 49 of the 50 United States and Canada, though they never made it to North Dakota, as time ran out. They loved to cruise to Alaska, Hawaii, and the Bahamas. They even took their Sunday school class on cruises and trips to Branson.

Ted leaves to cherish his loving memory his loving wife Sandy whom he adored, his three surviving children whom his patience, unconditional love, and strength was tantamount to both their childhoods and adult lives, his little sister Lois, who he praised and admired, and her two children; his nieces Candace and Jodi, his grandchildren; Jamie, Shawn, Jessica, Allyson, Morgan, Hayden, Michael, Kyle, and Kara, to whom he always leant an ear and his generous wisdom and advice, his great grandchildren; Sutton, Jett, and Scout, his cousins; Mike and Becky, and the many friends, and loved ones on whom he left his indelible mark.

Ted’s Journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and an unwavering faith in God.

A memorial service for Ted will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Emerson Park Christian Church, 1501 S. 40th Street, Kansas City, KS 66106.