He is preceded in death by his parents, Vivian and Adela DeSoto; infant sister, Laverne DeSoto; his daughter, Rachael Laverne Davis; stepson, Ronald Ray Murphy; brother-in-law, Arthur Kelley; infant granddaughter, Sarah Ray; and great-grandson, Caleb Smith.
Theodore leaves to cherish his memory: his daughter, Rafaela DeSoto-Ray and son-in-law Joshua of Abilene, Texas; ex-wife and good friend, Barbara Elizondo of Abilene, Texas; stepchildren: Ralph Murphy and wife Debbie of Brownsboro, Texas, and Dianne Heisel and husband Christian of Electra, Texas; grandchildren: Amanda, Benjamin, Callie, Kristopher, Sabrina, Shawn, Shelby, and Timothy, and 10 great-grandchildren; siblings: Vivian and wife Dorcas of San Antonio, Texas, Xavier and wife Angeles of Kenner, Louisiana, Timothy of Kenner, Louisiana Irene Dickey and husband Douglas of Los Angeles, California, Benjamin of Ogden, Utah Adela Kelley of Whitney, Texas and many nieces and nephews who enjoyed his humor and swagger.
Ted was a graduate of Pasadena High School Class of 1957. After graduation, he served in the US Navy as a radioman 1st class. Theodore was the President of National Letter Carriers Union of Pasadena and also a member of American Legion Post 521.
He received an Associate Degree from San Jacinto College and was a Published Author.
Theodore or “Ted” was known for his smile and wit. He was a man of dignity and pride who found fulfillment in helping his family and in his work as a Pasadena Letter Carrier for 25 years. He made many friends and acquaintances along the way. If you met him you were very likely to remember him. His sister once described him as “the Paul Newman of the family” with more good looks and charm than one man deserves. He was also a man of intellect and loved words. He had lifelong passions for learning, classical music, movies, playing chess, writing, reading, and dancing. It wasn’t until retirement that he decided to add the title of marathon runner to his list of pursuits having run the Houston Marathon for some years. Many people in the Deer Park area recognize Ted as the gentleman who walked throughout the area providing passers-by with a smile and a wave. His presence in the community will be missed.
Donations in his honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
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