Theodore “Ted” J. Birtell
Sept. 23, 1932 – Sept. 23, 1932
OVERBROOK — Theodore “Ted” J. Birtell, Overbrook, died Thursday, Oct. 15, 2020. He was 88.
He was born Sept. 23, 1932, in Auburn, the son of John Carl and Elsie (Carter) Birtell. Ted graduated from Auburn High School in 1950. He later attended Kansas State University. Ted served for two years in the U.S. Army. He was a lifelong farmer.
He married Cyrella June Handley June 1, 1952, in Auburn, at Auburn Presbyterian Church. She survives.
Ted was a member of Gideon’s International, Overbrook Rotary Club and Kansas Grain Sorghum. His faith was of great importance. He was involved in many church activities and doing the Lord’s work. In 2018, he went to Washington, D.C., on the Kansas Honor Flight.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Craig Birtell; and a grandson, Christopher Cornell.
Besides his wife, he is survived by four children, Carla Clark, Ronda Wolf and husband, Jimmy, Sonja Wilson and husband, Harry, and Randall Birtell and wife, Rovonne; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Jim Birtell and Max Birtell.
A visitation will take place from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at Penwell-Gabel Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, 1321 S.W. 10th Ave., Topeka.
A graveside service will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Simerwell Cemetery, Wakarusa. Interment will follow.
Memorial contributions may be made to Carbondale Church of Christian Fellowship, 430 Commercial St., Carbondale, KS 66414 or Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800.
To leave a special message for the family, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com
