Ted L. Eubanks Sr.

Ted grew up in McKinney, Texas with his twin brother, Fred, and four older brothers, A.H., Leon, Bill, and Ken. Ted and Fred enlisted in the Navy during WW2 and attended the V12 officer training program in Warrensburg, Missouri. Upon receiving his commission, Ted served as the Senior Gunnery Officer aboard the USS Hissem.

Ted was an athlete. He played football in high school at McKinney High, for North Texas State before enlisting, and for Central Missouri College while in the V12 program. He golfed, played softball, and would swim far into the Gulf, losing sight of the shore. Having been a lifeguard in McKinney, Ted taught his kids to swim. Many childhood memories are of riding the waves with him in Galveston.

On returning home after the war, he began dating Mary Beth Duke. The two had known since kindergarten. Mary had attended Ted’s 5th birthday party. They married on June 5th, 1948.

Ted attended SMU on the GI Bill. Graduating with a degree in business and went to work for GMAC in the finance division. He later worked for Leasing Associates in Houston. Ted and Mary were active members of Houston’s St. Francis Episcopal Church and, in Austin, were members of St. David’s Episcopal Church.

Having worked on the LBJ campaign, he remained a proud and vocal Democrat. Avid bird watchers, he and Mary traveled to Costa Rica, Mexico, and all over the U.S. with binoculars and birding books in hand. His kids remember many a drive coming to an abrupt stop while Ted grabbed his binoculars to “check out a bird”.

After Mary died in 2011, Ted became involved in volunteering with Westlake Hills Presbyterian’s “The Gathering”, a fellowship for Alzheimer's. There he met “his other daughters”, a group of women who offered him their generous hearts and friendship.Ted received KVUE’s “Five Who Care” award in 2015 for his volunteer work.

He enjoyed his life at Brookdale Gaines Ranch joining friends for dinner, dancing with his best pal, Rosie, and attending lectures, holiday parties, and Happy Hour every Wednesday. Ted loved Texas Longhorn football, sitting out in the sun, and any dog he met.

Ted’s family is thankful for the care he received in the last weeks of his life through Altus Hospice and the wonderful folks at Practical Care Continuum.

Ted is survived by his children Ted Eubanks, Jr. and wife Virginia, Beth Beall and husband R.C., and Nancy Eubanks and husband Loren Bass along with his six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and three great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Ted with a donation to the Southern Poverty Law Center or the Austin Humane Society.

A celebration of Ted’s life is being planned for a future date.