Ted C. Ham

Ted C. Ham, age 86, passed away March 8, 2016 suddenly at his home in Cheney with his wife by his side.

Theodore C. Ham was born Jan. 1, 1930 in Ford, Idaho to Leslie and Ida (Leigh) Ham. Later that same year the family moved to a dairy farm near Tyler, Wash. Ted attended the two-room schoolhouse in Tyler, walking or riding his bike the two miles. He attended high school in Sprague and helped at the farm after school. He worked for local farmers in the summer and during harvest. He continued to work harvest after his retirement at his daughter in-law's family farm.

Ted served in the Army during the Korean War. He was discharged in 1953 and went to work for the city of Cheney. He retired after 42 years of service. He married Jeanette Proctor on May 8, 1953 and they were two months short of their 63rd anniversary when he passed.

Ted enjoyed woodworking and was the president of the Chipsters woodworking club at Sessions Independent Living in Cheney. Over the past two years he led the club in making hundreds of toys for disadvantaged children around the world and close to home. Ted restored old tractors and delighted in driving one for many years in the Cheney Rodeo Parade. The three grandsons were always on the tractor with him and spent many hours with their grandfather in his woodworking shop.

 Ted was well loved and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his loving wife, Jeannette. He was a wonderful and proud dad to his son Larry (Debbie) and daughter Lorna Spear (Steve). He doted on his grandsons Kyle Ham (Hillary), Reece Ham (Emily) and Jacob Spear (Jessica, fiancé). Ted is leaving three great-grandchildren Eleanor, Kate and Owen Ham. They will miss his hugs.

 Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Cheney or Lutheran Community Services. A memorial service was held March 13.