Theodore M. Eaker

Theodore Marshall Eaker – a wonderful father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend. “Ted” Eaker was a respected businessman in the Denver community, a founder of the City of Lakewood, a State Legislator, and also a major contributor to many volunteer community projects. Ted’s life is marked with honesty and enthusiasm in all he did. Ted brought people and businesses together, made communities a greater place to live, and used integrity and wisdom in making decisions.

Ted was born on August 13, 1922, in Denver, Colorado in a house. His parents were August and Frieda Eaker. Helen and Bob were his siblings and life-long friends. In 1942 Ted joined the Army Air Corp and served 3 years in the Southwest Pacific Ocean.

Upon returning home, he met and married Betty Seiler, and they were blessed with five children: Phyllis, Peggy, Ken, Roy and Tom. Later Ted married Juanita Young, and lovingly enfolded her son Bob into his family. Ted’s family now includes spouses of his children: Steve, Betty, Deb and Sue. Ted has sixteen grandchildren: Christine, Cara, Sarah, Aaron, Andrew, Melissa, Priscilla, Casey, Scott, Kaitlyn, Tamara, T.C., Zachary, Emma, Laura and Dan. The next generation includes eleven great-grandchildren: Jordan, Kylie, Jackson, Ethan, Landen, Josh, Nate, Charlie, Kaylee, Elise and Kinsley.

Ted served as President for the family-owned retail dry goods and clothing stores, “Eaker’s.” The store chain grew to 26 stores located throughout Colorado. Ted enjoyed participating in the life of the communities in which he lived. He served on financial and stewardship church committees. Beginning in 1956, he served on the Board of Directors for Lutheran Tuberculosis Sanitarium, and was part of a team that converted it into a much needed hospital to serve Jefferson County – Lutheran Hospital; now Exempla Lutheran in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

Ted helped to bring about a successful incorporation effort to establish the City of Lakewood in 1969 and then was elected to serve on the City Council for two terms. In 1974 he was elected to serve as Colorado State Representative for District 23.

Ted also served on the Colorado Retail Council (CRC), Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry (CACI), Colorado Shippers Cooperative, Mountain States Employers Council, Industries for Jefferson County, Spirit of ’76 (to bolster support for Colo.Olympics), Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, Community College West Campus, Kiwanis, Lion’s Club, and was on the Board of Directors for North Denver Bank and Central Bank of North Denver.

Ted enjoyed hosting parties at his home, in the cul-de-sac, at the cabin, at his retirement home in Arizona, and at his independent living apartment. The fun continued; and at the age of 88, Ted was elected “Prom King” for the “Senior” Prom at the Independent Living place where he lived. Ted taught us all how to enjoy each other and enjoy “the moment.” Ted made life fun; Ted made life better for many; Ted made his life count.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ted’s Memory to:

"CHCC - Manna Ministries”, c/o Cherry Hills Community Church (3900 Grace Blvd., Highlands Ranch, CO 80126).

Manna Ministries provides assistance to those in the community who need help as they go through a “wilderness/desert” part of life.