THEODORE SODDERS
Theodore ‘Ted’ Sodders, 96, of Elida, passed away Saturday, October 25, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 31, 1929, in Elida to James and Odessa (Culp) Sodders, who both preceded him in death. He had a twin brother, Edward, who died shortly after birth.
On June 26, 1949, in Lima, he married Janice (Helser) Sodders, who preceded him in death on October 14, 2024. They had been married 75 years.
Ted was also preceded in death by a sister, Eileen Sherrick; a brother, Everett Sodders; brothers-in-law, Rex Ciavola, Tom Shields, and Dale Sherrick; and sisters-in-law, Thelma Shields, Thelma Sodders, and Louise Ciavola.
He is survived by his children, Doug (Barb) Sodders of Lima and Mike (Karin) Sodders of Hilliard; brother-in-law, Carl (Liz) Helser of San Antonio, TX. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Nate (Stephanie) Sodders, Bo Sodders, Brett (Julia) Sodders, Angela (Dave) Sodders, Taylor Sodders, Mallory Sodders and Matt (Stephanie) Jackson; seven great-grandchildren, Ryan Lidgey, Cade Sodders, Brayden Sodders, Reid Sodders, Coralie Sodders, Lyla Jackson and Oliver Jackson; and many nieces and nephews.
Ted was a 1948 graduate of Elida High School, where he participated in baseball, basketball, and football. He had a winning record as a pitcher in baseball, never losing a high school game. He was selected to the area All-Star Team in baseball in 1946, 1947, and 1948. He was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Elida. Ted was employed by Superior Coach in 1949.
In 1952, he was drafted into the Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Darmstadt, Germany, receiving the German Occupational Medal with the 816 Field Artillery.
He returned in 1954 and worked at Superior Coach in the computer department. In 1956, he went to work at Ford Motor Company and later at the United Telephone Company as a computer programmer. He retired from Standard Oil BP in 1984.
In his retirement years, he worked at Tera Soil Test Lab, was an American Township Zoning Inspector, and ended his working career at Outside Products Co.
Ted loved spending time with his family and friends, and especially watching his children and grandchildren participating in sports and musical activities. He was an avid Elida High School, OSU, and Reds fan. He loved gardening, golfing, and fishing, and in his younger years, he enjoyed camping and boating.
There will be a visitation from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Weber Funeral Home, Delphos. A visitation will also be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 30, 2025, before the funeral at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Elida. The funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the church with Pastor Paul Scannell officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Elida.
Memorial contributions can be made to Elida St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Putnam County Homecare and Hospice, or The Arthur James Cancer Hospital. Online condolences may be shared at www.weberfh.net.
