The community of Detroit along with the Withee family mourns the loss of Terrance “Ted” Drew Withee who died unexpectedly on March 28th, 2021 at his winter home in Port Alto, Texas at the age of 73. He was born in Detroit, Maine the youngest of eight children to Linwood and Bernice (Whitaker) Withee. After graduating from MCI in 1965 he joined the Air Force. He met his soulmate, Christine at Ellsworth Air Force Base.
Ted returned to his hometown of Detroit from Colorado with his wife and their two young children in 1981. Ted and Chris built a log cabin home on the Troy Road. Next door Ted established his emporium “The Dickerin’ Den” where he carried an inventory of antiques and collectibles he garnered from purchases at Burnham Auction, yard and estate sales. Ted was also the local RFD mail carrier for many years, accompanied on his rounds by his faithful dog Minnie.
Always a loyal citizen, Ted was a charter member of the committee that established the Detroit Veteran’s Monument at the village square. In recent years Ted was an active member of American Legion Post 32 and served as its Second Vice-Commander. He was a member of the Sebasticook Valley Elks Lodge, VFW Post 4403 Port Lavaca, Texas and a life member of the DAV. Ted always maintained close personal ties with area senior citizens and shut-ins who all enjoyed his good will, wit and cheer.
Ted was predeceased by his parents and brother, Linwood Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Christine (Anderson) of Detroit, his daughter Rachel Wintle and David of Detroit, his son Chad Withee and Catherine of Fort Polk, LA, his brothers: Jerry Withee and Sally of Palmyra, Richard Withee of Chicago, IL, Robert Withee and Jean of Detroit, his sisters: Joanne Withee and Carol of Green Valley, AZ, Janis Lahaie and Leo of Venice, FL, Colleen Ouellette and Ron of Augusta, and grandchildren Alex, Rylan, Jacob, Tyson and Lillianna.
A remembrance will be held at a later date when Covid restrictions have ceased and everyone can attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ted’s memory to Klearview Manor Activities Department, 149 Skowhegan Rd, Fairfield ME 04937.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.richardsoncolonial.com.
