Ted Miller Lauck passed away on November 6, 2023, at the age of 81. Funeral services

will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, November 10, 2023, at First Christian Church Wichita Falls, Texas, with Dr. Mark Bender officiating, reception following.

Ted was born in Waco, Texas on December 10, 1941, to Joe and Joyce Lauck 3 days after Pearl Harbor was attacked. The following year the family moved to Wichita Falls,Texas. Ted was a very active toddler and started preschool at 18 months. He loved school at an early age, especially the social aspect. He was infected with polio in the summer of 1950 . He was actually excited because it was during the summer so he wouldn't miss any school, and that his mother fed him homemade ice cream every day. This was another example of his love and need to be around people. He not only enjoyed being around his peers, he loved his teachers. He was known to introduce his many teachers to his children throughout his life. He remembered every one of them, and they remembered him.

He graduated from Wichita Falls High School in 1960 then entered Midwestern University the following fall. His freshman year he was elected president of his class. He also enjoyed his time at the Baptist Student Union playing ping pong and dominos. The next year, while attending business school in Waco and living with his beloved grandmothers, he was cast as a lead in a play at Baylor University which was impressive because he was not attending Baylor.

While visiting Wichita Falls, he met the love of his life, Patricia Pettit. After a short courtship, they married on August 6, 1963. After being drafted soon after being married, he served in Vietnam. When his duty was over, he returned to Wichita Falls and started his career with Piccadilly Cafeteria which lasted over 30 years. He moved with the company to Atlanta, Georgia, Richmond, Virginia, Baton Rouge, Louisiana and finished back in Wichita Falls, Texas. While starting his career at Piccadily, Ted and Pat started their family. Jason and Dalton were born in Wichita Falls while Kathleen was born in Richmond, Virginia.

Ted was an active member of First Christian Church for over 30 years where he served as an Elder, Sunday school teacher, and member of the Chancel Choir. After Piccadilly Ted enjoyed a ten year post-retirement career with Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home, became an avid walker, and weekly volunteer at Interfaith Outreach Services. Ted's lasting impression is how he made people feel. After meeting Ted, they always had a smile on their face and left happier than they were. He never met a stranger. He truly cared for everyone he met. His charismatic personality lit up every room he walked into. Ted loved people and getting to know them.

Ted is preceded in death by both parents; his wife of 50 years; his oldest son Jason; and his brother Burtt.

He is survived by his children, Dalton Lauck and Kathleen Lauck; grandchildren Alec, Jake, and Katie Lauck; brother Joe Lauck and wife Eileen; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Hospice of Wichita Falls. Donations may be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls and First Christian Church of Wichita Falls.