Theodore "Ted" Joseph Trask

While I am blessed to have many memories of my Uncle Ted, some of the endearing ones are when he would babysit my siblings and I when he was in high school, and how much he loved peanut butter. Then he built a family who is loved and who share their love generously.

While I’ve known Ted for over 40 years since Ted & Diane started attending First United Methodist, it’s only been the last 13-14 years after his retirement, that I’ve really, really gotten to know Ted. This is when he became a regular at the Northwest YMCA. We would sometimes work out together but always sit down together afterwards and drink coffee and talk. Initially it was just Ted and me, then Ted’s acquaintance Gary joined us and now it was not uncommon for there to be 6 or more joining the conversation. One of the things that always amazed me when the topic of movies came up was Ted’s ability to recite lines from the subject movie, sometimes very old movies, and usually always with an impersonation of the actor’s part, accents and all. I loved it! Ted made friends easily and it has been through his acquaintances and his introduction of them to me that I can truly say that I wouldn’t have the privilege of knowing them if it wasn’t for Ted. Ted was a true family man and loved them all very much. It was not uncommon for him to share their accomplishments or even an occasional health concern. He was always particularly happy to share about his grandchildren, especially their achievements as they matured from children to young adults. Ted even told stories on himself from when he was a kid, to working as a teenager with his dad at the stockyards to his career as a firefighter and ultimately a battalion chief with the Wichita Fire Department. At some point in his career, I know not when, Ted began to write accounts of various incidents that happened, some unbelievable, others sad and tragic. I think Ted recorded these events primarily for his family, but I feel it a privilege that a few years ago he offered me the opportunity to read his journal/book. It is a fascinating read. Ted was a patriot and dedicated fire fighter. I remember on several different occasions when talking about a fire fighting incident, Ted said that his greatest fear as a battalion chief was making a decision that resulted in a fire fighter’s death. He was thankful that it never happened. While I’ve only known Ted a portion of both of our adult years, I almost feel like I’ve known him since we were children. I miss you Teddy Joe!

I first met Ted many years ago at Quality Chevroletand enjoyed our many conversations through the years and his honest smile. I considered him a good frriend. He was definitely one of a kind. Don Alexander

Our hearts are filled with sorrow as our Hero will be layed to rest today, in remembrance of him we can learn how to be better than before. God welcomes Hero’s with open arms because they have put their lives on the line so many times, to the family, please remember him in his positive, and his sacrifices to keep the community safe, and the people he helped will be his Legacy. I pray for comfort for the family. Your Hero will will be forever missed. God Bless you and thank you for supporting your and our Hero through out his life. Chaplain Chris Yokley (WFD)