Ted was born on February 28, 1941 in Peoria, IL to the late Earl Springer and Floydine Edna (Carley) Tomkinson. He married Carolyn Jean DeVoss on June 22, 1974 in Chillicothe, IL.

Surviving are his wife, Carolyn “Jean” of LaGrange, IL; his daughter, Sarah Jean Tomkinson of Bloomington, IL; his sister, Joan Ems of Chicago, IL; his brother, David (Irene) Tomkinson of Rochester, NH. Also surviving are his nieces and nephews, Lynn (Tomkinson) Morell, Shawn Tomkinson, Kathy (Ems) Keane, David Ems, Michelle Warren, Stacey Terry, Bradley DeVoss, and Douglas DeVoss; his great nieces and nephews, Julia Morell, Patrick Keane, Austin and Justin Ems, Chelsey Crider, Elizabeth Warren, Griffin Campbell, Josephine and Jasper Terry, Isabella and Olivia DeVoss; great-great nieces and nephews, Kodi Crider, Annabelle Williams, Asher Crider, and Rogen Cotty.

Ted was Chief Chemist for W.H. Sailsbury & Company in Chicago, IL for 27 years and retired in 2006. He was a member of the Chicago Rubber Group and American Chemical Society. He was an active member of the First Congregational Church of LaGrange and served on many committees. After his retirement, Ted was a volunteer driver for Interfaith Community Partners (ICP) and tutored English as a Second Language (ESL) students at Morton College.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be directed to First Congregational Church of LaGrange, 100 S. Sixth Ave., LaGrange, IL 60525.

A graveside service was held on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at Chillicothe City Cemetery. Rev. Bob Hentrich officiated the graveside service. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date in the First Congregational Church of LaGrange. Arrangements are under the care of Weber-Hurd Funeral Home in Chillicothe. Online condolences may be made through www.weberhurdfuneralhome.com.