Modoc ~ Theodore O. Gideon Jr., 79, passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Caroleton Healthcare Center of Connersville. He was a great man and wonderful father and grandfather. He was born in his loving Spiceland home on August 27, 1943 to his amazing parents Theodore Sr. and Nanny (Chew) Gideon. He was a 1961 Spiceland High School graduate and although never attending college, he was a very well-educated man.

The dairy cattle industry became his passion throughout his teenage years and into early adulthood. He worked for Carson Wright on his Ayrshire Farm near Spiceland in his teenage years and later he moved briefly to Lake Placid, New York, to work on the Heaven Hill Jersey Farm in nearby Randolph County that was operated by legendary Max Gordon.

It was while employed at the Gordon Farm that Ted, or “Teddy”, that he was affectionately referred to by many, met his future wife and mother of his three children, Connie Norman. He called Modoc home for the final 60 years of his life.

In the 1970’s, he perfected the art of artificial inseminating cattle, which was quite an Art of the time. He took tremendous pride in attaining great conception rates. He also served as a Dairy Cattle Judge at times as well as a dairy cattle milk tester.

In the mid-1970’s, his kids began playing little league baseball and Slow Pitch Girl’s softball and that indeed became a passion of his, for the remainder of his life. He became a fixture at the Union Booster League Ballpark in Modoc for many, many years, where it became his second home. He truly dedicated much of his life running the ballpark, whether it be coaching, umpiring or working in the concession stand.

He had an extremely positive impact on the lives of literally hundreds of kids who were Union School Corporation Students. He also served as Union’s Pony League Baseball coach at one time. Ted managed to pass his love of baseball and softball to his kids as well as his grandchildren. Additionally, he definitely passed his love of the livestock show industry to his son and grandsons, Kyle and Joe. He was also extremely proud of the fact that his granddaughters, Lyndsea and MacKyndsea, managed to play softball at the Collegiate level.

He retired from Belden Wire of Richmond, after 40 years of dedicated service. In addition, he and his loving family, milked a few dairy cows, had a few beef cattle and raised hogs on their 80 Acre farm.

His kids are not sure where he found the time to get it all done. He rarely missed any of his kid’s athletic or 4-H activities. Ted was an extremely loving man. That’s the way he was raised. When you met the Gideon family, you were greeted with a hug. Ted also enjoyed hunting and an occasional round of golf.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; three sisters; Mary Gideon, Bonnie Gideon and Maggie Wolfe: seven brothers; Robert Gideon, Richard Gideon, Carl Gideon, Melvin Gideon, Dennis Gideon, Jerry Gideon and Donnie Gideon. His best friend, Dave Lindsay, also proceeded him in death.

His memory will be cherished by three adult children; Kevin Gideon of Modoc, Kelly (Josh) Guffey of Losantville and Karol (Jeff) Burke of Modoc. Also surviving are nine grandchildren; Kyle (Marissa) Gideon of Farmland, Lance (Amber) Gideon of Mooresville, Myranda Gideon of Modoc, Lucas Gideon of Losantville, David (Kaitlyn) Godsey of Modoc, Joe Guffey of Losantville, Gabe Guffey of Losantville; Lynsea (Brian) Clark of Modoc and MacKyndsea Burke of LaPorte.

Ten great grandchildren also survive with yet another due in August. He is also survived by a brother Tom (Linda) Gideon of Spiceland as well as seven nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Theodore will take place on Thursday June 8, 2023, from 4:00 ~ 7:00 PM at Rose City Funeral Home in New Castle. Funeral services will take place at 10:00 AM Friday the 9th at Rose City Funeral Home with Minister Josh Guffey from New Beginnings Church officiating. Burial will take place at Green Hills Memory Gardens in New Castle.

Rose City Funeral Home directors and staff are honored to serve the Gideon family. On-line condolences may be made at www.rosecityfunerals.com