Ted V. Riley

Riley, Ted V., 79, passed from this life on January 12, 2006, after a short illness. Memorial service will be held 3:00 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, at St. James Episcopal Church, 3750 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS. Memorial has been established with the Wichita Childrens Home, 810 N. Holyoke, Wichita, KS 67208. Ted was born in Kansas City, MO, on August 30, 1926, to Herman Lewis Riley and Adaline Emma Henrich. His father was a musician with the Paul Whiteman band and the family lived in Chicago during Teds early years. After settling in Wichita, Ted attended North High School and then served in the U.S. Army during WWII as a tank crewman and prisoner of war transport. Following his honorable discharge in 1946, he served in the Army reserves until the end of the Korean war and worked as a cartographer for Continental Map Co. In 1949, Ted began his career at Wilbur E. Walker Co. as a typewriter repairman, then as a salesman, and finally as vice president until his official retirement in 1990. While working for Wilbur E. Walker Co., in his spare time Ted had his own television repair business, so his initials “T.V.” were quite appropriate. Ted also operated his own construction business and built several homes in the Wichita area. Ted never truly retired, and in the 1990s entered the leasing business as owner of Somerset Leasing Group, which he operated until his death. Ted was married to Grace Davis from 1948 to 1965, and they had one child, Karen. Teds beloved grandson, Michael, was born in 1984, and he was so very proud of his grandson. In 1966, Ted met and married his soulmate and love of his life, Marjorie Maxwell. They were married 38 years until her death. Ted cared for her tirelessly and without complaint during the 10-year illness and disability which took her life in 2004. Ted is survived by his daughter, Karen Dzatko, and his grandson, Michael Dzatko, both of Derby. Other survivors include son-in-law, Thomas Dzatko; Riley and Henrich cousins; brother-in-law, Oral Maxwell; Burwell aunts, Elsie and Mildred; Davis and Maxwell nieces and nephews; devoted special friend, Betty Arnold, and many dear friends. Ted was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church. He gave us a beautiful example of how to live life in service to the Lord and to our fellow man. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Downing Lahey Mortuary East.