Theodore 'Ted' Hempel

Theodore "Ted" Hempel, Jr., 67, passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2014. He was born November 1, 1946 in Indianapolis, IN to the late Theodore (Sr.) and Stella Penna Hempel. As a youth, Ted reached the level of Eagle Scout in Boy Scouts. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Indiana University in 1968. While in college he became a member Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. Ted started his career working for his father's plumbing supply company. In the early 1980's Ted owned Season Maker HVAC in Newark, OH. He later worked for several HVAC contractors in central Indiana, including Schilling & Schilling, Barclay Holland and Vasey. He was a past member of Brookside Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Gatling Gun Club, and Eagles (Columbus Chapter). He and Jane were very active in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. As part of that work, he made history in 2002 by becoming the first insulin dependent diabetic to be awarded a 100-ton pilots license. Through the last 12 years he endured 18 surgeries due to complications from his diabetes, eventually becoming a double amputee. In the last few years of his life, Ted and Jane were very dedicated in their daily devotionals and prayers. In that activity, we are confident that he grew close to his Savior Jesus Christ. Ted is survived by his wife Jane Tidwell Hempel; children Mark (Kris) Hempel, Tony (Christy) Hempel, William (Rose) Hempel, James "Doug" (Veronica) Hempel, Theodore "Ted" (Sharon) Hempel, III, Diana (Earl) Burtnett, Teddi Thurman, and Tracy (Susie) Coleman; grandchildren Ashley Hempel, Lisa Hempel, Mercadees Hempel, William Hempel, Jr., Madie Daisy Hempel, James Hempel, Jr., Kyle Johns, Charles (Brittany) Rolland, Amber Rolland, Desiree Thurman, and Ellei Coleman; and great-grandchildren Chase Rolland and Rayeanna McIlquham. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Riley Children's Foundation.