Ted Gilmore

Some lives are measured by their accomplishments, some by the places traveled, and others by the things built. But Ted Gilmore’s life—his true legacy—was measured in the love he gave, the wisdom he shared, and the steadfast way he cared for those around him. He passed away peacefully at home in Montgomery, Texas, on February 2, 2025, surrounded by those he loved most. His life was full—not simply because of what he achieved, though there was much to admire, but because of how he lived: steady, sure, and with a heart big enough for all.

Born in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Clayton and Maxine Gilmore, Ted grew up in a home where hard work was expected, integrity was assumed, and a man’s word mattered. He embraced these lessons early, taking on his first job as a golf caddy at ten years old. It was a fitting start for a boy who would spend his life balancing responsibility with joy, knowing that both had their place. He was a devoted big brother to Rhonda, Dean, and Gayle, and though time and distance would later separate them, their bond remained strong.

Education was more than a pursuit for Ted—it was a lifelong passion. He graduated from the University of Missouri at Rolla, where he played on the golf team, blending his sharp mind with his love for the game. Decades later, he earned an MBA from the University of Houston Victoria and was named Graduate of the Year, a reflection not only of his intelligence but of his relentless commitment to learning.

As a civil engineer, Ted’s career carried him across the world, from Africa to Asia and the Middle East. The roads and structures he helped design still stand, a quiet but enduring testament to his skill. He had an engineer’s mind—one that saw not only what was but what could be.

But before he built roads and managed projects at home and abroad, he answered another call—a call to serve. Ted was a Captain in the U.S. Army, flying Cobra helicopters in Vietnam. He faced the dangers of war with courage and skill, carrying out missions with the steady resolve that defined him. Though he rarely spoke of his time in combat, his service was woven into the fabric of who he was—diligent, disciplined, and quietly courageous.

But for all of his achievements, nothing meant more to Ted than his family. For 46 years, he and Terri built a life together—one filled with laughter, adventure, and love. They traveled, watched movies, and found joy in life’s small moments—Ted with his iced tea, Terri with her Diet Coke, sharing a joke, a sitcom, or simply the quiet satisfaction of a day well spent. Christmas Eve became one of many treasured traditions, with the whole family gathered as Ted read Santa’s Nice List, ensuring that, at least for one night, magic felt real.

Ted is survived by his beloved wife, Terri; his children, Susanne Perez, Korie Gilmore, Natalie Juergens, Jason & Libby Gilmore, and Angela & Brad Bundy. His thirteen grandchildren—Ryan, Blake, River, Rain, Julia, Jakub, Marley, Richard, Jace, Jonathan, Riley, Steven, and Reagan—will carry forward his legacy, along with his great-granddaughters, Gemma and Violet. His siblings, Rhonda & Mike Corwin of Kansas City, Dean & Linda Gilmore of Savannah, and Gayle Gilmore, remain to honor his memory. He is now reunited with his parents and his son, Steven, in a place where, no doubt, he is already telling stories and making those around him laugh.

Ted was never one to sit still. Whether it was learning a new instrument, sketching out an invention, or reading just to satisfy his curiosity, he engaged with the world through the eyes of a student and the hands of a craftsman. He traveled far and wide, often with his dear friends Kylie and Jim Gruver and Charles and Diana Ladimir, making memories that now live on in the stories they tell.

He didn’t demand attention, but his presence filled a room. He didn’t raise his voice often, but when he did, people listened. He wasn’t one for grand speeches, but his words carried weight. And he never hesitated to remind those he loved just how much they meant to him—because that, more than anything, defined who he was.

A service celebrating Ted’s life will be held on Saturday, February 8, at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 10:00 AM and interment immediately afterward at Memorial Oaks Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Ted’s honor to the Houston Area Glass Association Scholarship Fund, a cause that reflects his deep belief in the power of education to open doors and create opportunities. This fund has directly supported the educational journeys of several of his grandchildren, making its mission especially meaningful to his family.

Ted’s story does not end here. It lives on in the lessons he taught, in the love he so freely gave, and in the laughter he left behind. He was a source of strength, wisdom, and warmth to those who knew him, and though he will be missed beyond measure, he will never be forgotten.