Theodore Richard Douglass, of North Ridgeville, formerly of Elyria, passed away from a sudden heart attack at home Thursday, September 6, 2007 in Elyria. Ted celebrated his 80th birthday with all his children on Saturday, September 1, 2007.

He was born in Detroit MI on August 30, 1927 to Lillian and Harry Douglass. Ted attended Detroit public schools and served in the U.S. Navy. He attended Michigan State University, where he roomed with his dear friend, Bill Olsen.

Ted worked for American Steel Wire Division of U.S. Steel as a wire salesman. He relocated with his family of five children to Elyria in 1964 to work for Western Cold Drawn Steel as Sales Manager. In 1971 he established his own steel sales company, Douglass Metals, Inc. He retired in 1999 with over 50 years in the steel industry.

Ted married Mary Jane Piper in 1980. They celebrated their 25th Anniversary with friends and family in 2005. Ted and Mary Jane vacationed often to Vera Beach, FL and Harbor Springs, MI where they enjoyed tennis, golf and fishing together. They had recently moved to North Ridgeville after living 46 years in Elyria.

As an avid fisherman he took many trips to the beautiful lakes and streams of northern Michigan. He also enjoyed many rounds of golf, and tennis matches, as an active member of the Elyria Country Club for many years. Early mornings found Ted at the Lorain County Community College fitness center where he participated in the exercise program.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Jane; brother, Walter Douglass of Kettering; sister, Doris Hill of Farmington Hills, MI; children, Scott Douglass of Baton Rouge, LA, David Douglass of Bay Village, Beth Todor of Arvada, CO, Joy (Tom) Melsen of Spring, TX, and Jane (Doug) Kukes of Elyria; grandchildren, Dawn and Jim Nagy of Elyria, Rebecca and Steven Douglass of CT, Mary and Christopher Douglass of Bay Village, Matthew and Miranda Todor of Arvada, CO, Monica Melsen of Spring, TX, and Kyle Kukes of Elyria; great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Megan and Andrew of Elyria; step-children, Bill and Susan Jansheski, Terry Jansheski, and Susan Piper.

In addition to his parents, Ted’s wife, Mary Ryan, whom he married in 1950, preceded him in death in 1979.

A memorial service will be held 11 A.M. Saturday, September 8, 2007 at the Church of the Open Door, 43275 Telegraph Rd., Elyria.

For further information, please call the Walter Martens and Sons Funeral Home at 216-281-7111. Memorial contributions can be made to Lorain County Community College Foundation in memory of Ted Douglass.

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