In Memory Of
James Ted Walters
1931
2020
James Ted Walters
October 15, 1931 — December 20, 2020
James Ted Walters, 89, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, December 20, 2020.
He was born October 15, 1931, in Detroit, Kansas, the son of Vernon and Amanda Walters.
Ted graduated from Dickenson County High School in 1949 and later went on to attend College of Emporia where he obtained his Bachelor of Art in 1954. He also attended the Kansas State Teacher's College (ESU) and the University of Kansas where he earned his Master Degree in 1957 and later his Specialist Degree in Education in 1966.
He served in the United States National Guard and Army Reserve. He retired in 1980 as Lt. Colonel.
Ted was employed by Topeka 501 for 38 years, retiring in June of 1992. Ted started as a teacher at Sumner and Polk Elementary in 1954. He became Principal at Van Buren Elementary in 1957 and then Sumner in 1960. He was placed at Randolph Elementary in 1967 where he was Principal until he was moved to Whitson Elementary in 1977. He finished his career at Avondale East Elementary School.
He was a member of and Regional President of AARP, President of Topeka Association of Retired Teachers, Masonic Lodge, Kansas Association of Retired School Principals, National Education Association, Master Gardeners, First Christian Church of Topeka and many other organizations.
Ted married the love of his life, Alice Pauline "Pat" Walters on June 17, 1951 in Emporia, Kansas. They were married for 63 years until she preceded him in death on January 25, 2014.
Survivors include his son, James Todd Walters (Teresa) of Topeka; two daughters, Patricia "Trish" Walters and Mary Ann Walters of Topeka; grandchildren, James Tyreill Walters (Nicole) of Gibraltar, MI, Chynna Prenzler (Scott) of Deer Park, TX, Geoffrey Walters of Topeka, Sheinja Brooks of Emporia, KS, Chelsea Schnegelsiepen of Saginaw, TX, Sierra Wilson of Topeka, Joel Knapp of Vancouver, WA, Christian Flint of Los Angeles, CA, Melissa Hickman (Kenneth) of Fairbanks, AK and Brandon Flint (Nicole) of Sioux City, IA; 12 great grandchildren and a multitude of other family and friends who mourn his death.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents and 4 sisters.
Ted enjoyed traveling, crossword puzzles, singing and playing guitar and was a huge fan of KU. Spending time with his family was his number one priority, but his grandchildren and great grandchildren were his special joy. He always lit up with his special smile every time they came to visit. Everyone he met loved him.
Honoring Ted's request, cremation is planned. A memorial service will be planned for later in the spring of 2021. Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604 is assisting the family with arrangements.
Interment of Ted's cremated remains will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, 3616 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66606.
Memorial contributions may be made to Topeka Rescue Mission, Inc. PO Box 8350, Topeka, KS, 66608-0350.
To leave a message of condolence for Ted's family, or to share a special memory of Ted, visit the guestbook below.
He was born October 15, 1931, in Detroit, Kansas, the son of Vernon and Amanda Walters.
Ted graduated from Dickenson County High School in 1949 and later went on to attend College of Emporia where he obtained his Bachelor of Art in 1954. He also attended the Kansas State Teacher's College (ESU) and the University of Kansas where he earned his Master Degree in 1957 and later his Specialist Degree in Education in 1966.
He served in the United States National Guard and Army Reserve. He retired in 1980 as Lt. Colonel.
Ted was employed by Topeka 501 for 38 years, retiring in June of 1992. Ted started as a teacher at Sumner and Polk Elementary in 1954. He became Principal at Van Buren Elementary in 1957 and then Sumner in 1960. He was placed at Randolph Elementary in 1967 where he was Principal until he was moved to Whitson Elementary in 1977. He finished his career at Avondale East Elementary School.
He was a member of and Regional President of AARP, President of Topeka Association of Retired Teachers, Masonic Lodge, Kansas Association of Retired School Principals, National Education Association, Master Gardeners, First Christian Church of Topeka and many other organizations.
Ted married the love of his life, Alice Pauline "Pat" Walters on June 17, 1951 in Emporia, Kansas. They were married for 63 years until she preceded him in death on January 25, 2014.
Survivors include his son, James Todd Walters (Teresa) of Topeka; two daughters, Patricia "Trish" Walters and Mary Ann Walters of Topeka; grandchildren, James Tyreill Walters (Nicole) of Gibraltar, MI, Chynna Prenzler (Scott) of Deer Park, TX, Geoffrey Walters of Topeka, Sheinja Brooks of Emporia, KS, Chelsea Schnegelsiepen of Saginaw, TX, Sierra Wilson of Topeka, Joel Knapp of Vancouver, WA, Christian Flint of Los Angeles, CA, Melissa Hickman (Kenneth) of Fairbanks, AK and Brandon Flint (Nicole) of Sioux City, IA; 12 great grandchildren and a multitude of other family and friends who mourn his death.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents and 4 sisters.
Ted enjoyed traveling, crossword puzzles, singing and playing guitar and was a huge fan of KU. Spending time with his family was his number one priority, but his grandchildren and great grandchildren were his special joy. He always lit up with his special smile every time they came to visit. Everyone he met loved him.
Honoring Ted's request, cremation is planned. A memorial service will be planned for later in the spring of 2021. Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604 is assisting the family with arrangements.
Interment of Ted's cremated remains will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, 3616 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66606.
Memorial contributions may be made to Topeka Rescue Mission, Inc. PO Box 8350, Topeka, KS, 66608-0350.
To leave a message of condolence for Ted's family, or to share a special memory of Ted, visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Ted Walters, please visit our flower store.
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