Theodore Blanchard “Ted” Flood, 90

Theodore Blanchard “Ted” Flood of Gallipolis, Ohio passed away at his home Thursday May 22nd 2014 at the age of 90.

Ted was born June 15, 1923 in community of Karthus/Frenchville, PA to Clark and Bessie (Mignot) Flood. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Rosalie (Warren) Sayre. Ted is survived by his wife Mary Rife Steinbeck Flood and by sisters Carolyn Bader-Dublin OH, Ann (Wesley) Smoke-Karthus PA, and Joyce (Burwell) Salmond- Marietta GA; one brother Andy (Annette) Flood-Tara Place NJ. Ted’s siblings describe him as a strong willed, independent man. This was evident by his insistence to drop out of school and join the military at the age 16. After repeated refusal by his parents he forged their signature and enlisted. Ted served with the US Army during World War II and Korean Conflict. He was awarded the Purple Heart. After discharge Ted’s commitment to the military was evident in his continued involvement in the reserves. He attended trade school and worked as an engraver, jeweler, and watchmaker until his retirement from Paul Davies Jewelers in Gallipolis, OH.

Ted will be missed by his children and grandchildren and great grand-children. He fathered five children: Mary Ann (Gary) Pauley of Cicero, NY, Pat (Eugene) Woolum of Jackson, OH, Ted (Carolyn) Flood of Athens, OH, Rita McKibben-deceased, Lorraine Kay (Gardner) Flood of Wellston, OH, and Terri (Joe) Potts of Wellston, OH. Ted was proud of all of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. His military background often influenced his parenting style, it was either yes or no and excuses were not often accepted. Ted taught his children the importance of hard work and honor. He had 11 grandchildren Christa Pauley, Cheri (Pauley) Valerino, Cathy (Pauley) Sandmann, Amy (Woolum) Hutchinson, Bethany (Woolum) Caudill, Katie (McKibben) Frank, John Paul Gardner, Tara Gardner, Faye Potts, Matthew Kelley (Potts), and Michael McKinnis (Potts). Ted had 19 great grandchildren.

Ted is survived by his wife Mary (Rife- Steinbeck) Flood whom he married April 2, 1984. Mary was Ted’s soul-mate and love. He enjoyed telling people that he made her cook for him before would take her out. They really met at breakfast where she was a waitress at the local Pizzeria were he would eat breakfast. This union brought the Flood 6 (5 girls and 1 boy) and the Steinbeck 5 (4 boys and 1 girl) together. Ted is survived and will be missed by those stepchildren. Richard (Joanne) Steinbeck -Mills River NC, Jim (Barb) Steinbeck- Worthington Oh, Karen (Greg) Hill- Gallipolis Ferry WV, Ralph (Teresa) Steinbeck- Gallipolis Oh and Robert Steinbeck- Gallipolis Oh. He is survived by 11 step grandchildren: Bethann (Steinbeck) Williams, Brad Steinbeck, John Myers, Michael Steinbeck, Jennifer Steinbeck, Jimmy Steinbeck, Todd Hill, Sarah Hill, and Brittany (Steinbeck) Beman, Breanna Steinbeck and Brett Steinbeck. He is survived by 10 great step grandchildren.

Ted with the love and help of Mary, created many happy memories for their family. Some of these were at the Twin Oaks Christmas Tree farm which they owned and operated. Ted’s wisdom, dry sense humor, and his kindness will be missed by those who knew and loved him.

Calling hours will be Thursday May 29th at Willis Funeral home from 5:30- 7 pm.

Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.