Theodore Melvin Tigard

Ted passed away peacefully on September 18th, 2026. He was born in Cloverdale, California in 1931 to Clyde Elias and Clarissa Fern (Ackors) Tigard. He grew up in Oklahoma and later in Hot Springs, AR and attended Lake Hamilton High School, where he met the love of his life, Bernice Weatherford. They were married shortly after graduating in 1953 and then relocated to Wichita, KS. In 1955, they were blessed with the birth of their son, Alan. They raised their son in Wichita and were members of Antioch Christian Church.

Ted was an avid reader, gardener, bowler and enjoyed playing cards with friends, but what he loved most was spending time with family, especially his two granddaughters, Michelle and Dyan. Ted worked as a Design Engineer in the aircraft industry. He enjoyed his work and cherished the many friendships he made while working.

He retired in 1996 and soon relocated to Mountain Home, AR with his wife, Bernice. While in Mountain Home, they became active members of Memorial Christian Church. He spent his retirement enjoying the lake, bowling in local leagues, landscaping, and gardening. In 2012, they moved back to Wichita, Kansas, to live out their remaining years closer to Alan and his family. They were blessed with two great-grandchildren, Lucy and Dax, and loved spending time with them. He was loved beyond measure and will be deeply missed.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother; wife, Bernice; two brothers, Sam and Ken Tigard; and two sisters, Marie and Avis.

He leaves behind his son, Alan (Susan) Tigard, granddaughters Michelle Tigard Kammerer and Dyan (Dirk) Rader, and great-grandchildren, Lucy and Dax Rader.

Memorial Service for family and friends will be at 3:30 PM on September 24, 2026 in the Fireside Room at Riverlawn Christian Church at 4243 N. Meridian Ave, Wichita, KS 67204.

In memoriam, donations can be made in Ted Tigard’s name to Meals On Wheels, online by visiting https://giving.myparishsoft.io//app/giving/WeShare-20001694?tab=home then click Gifts in memory of or to honor a loved one, and in the Select a Program dropdown, choose Meals On Wheels and type his name in the In Memory Of box, or mail a check to Senior Services of Wichita, Attn: Meals On Wheels, 200 S. Walnut, Wichita, KS 67230 and put In Memory of Ted Tigard in the note line on your check.