Theodore "Ted" Edward Waldron was born on February 21, 1987 in San Antonio, Texas, the son of Robert Dale Waldron Jr and Dorothy "Dottie" Mae (Schmidt) Waldron.  The family moved to the Freeport, Kansas area when Ted was 10 years old.  He attended grade school in Anthony, Kansas and then Chaparral High School, graduating with the class of 2005.

After graduating High School, Ted attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas where he graduated with a degree in Sociology, with an emphasis on Criminology. During his time at K-State and afterwards, he lived with one of his friends Kade Pulliam and was able to walk the stage for graduation with one of his other friends Bryson Potter, who graduated with the same degree.  After graduation, Ted worked for the Riley County Police Department for 5 years.

In 2016 Ted moved back to Wichita where he lived with Bryson Potter and Chance Teel.  It was during this time he met Michelle Dudley while they were both in training to work for Cox Communications.  After the first date, it became apparent that this was an inseparable pair.  Neither of them knew it then, but this connection would be one for the books.

Ted and Michelle's love for each other would continue to grow, and after 2 years of dating they bought a house of their own.  Even though Michelle would eventually become the love of his life, Ted's first love, and his baby, was his dog Riley.  Riley was a rescue and is now 13 years old.  After a few years, Ted and Michelle got another dog, Zero, who is 4 years old; and they will miss Ted as much as any person could.

Ted was a simple, caring, and passionate person.  His greatest joys in life were spending time with friends and loved ones.  He loved hard, and if you became a part of his life, it was forever.  He had several hobbies, one of which was woodworking.  Anyone who knew him or saw his work would be quick to say he was a Master of the craft.  He was always ready and willing to lend a hand on projects, and his work spoke for itself.  Ted had also recently delved into the world of 3D Printing; and as his friends can attest, his creations now sit everywhere in their houses and vehicles.  When Ted wasn't creating something, he could often be found doing another one of his great passions; cooking and using his smoker, to create delicious meals for he and Michelle, or to provide food for the numerous life events of his friends and family, which he always made time to show up to.

Ted was a life-long, die-hard K-State fan, and anyone who came to his house could easily be overwhelmed by the amount of purple.  He had a unique personality and would often introduce himself in a very peculiar way.  Ted was a practical joker, from random jokes to messing with friends and would rarely turn down an opportunity to play cards, video games, or a board game.

Ted will be missed by everyone who knew him, especially Michelle, but his memory will be carried on, and his handiwork will be a continuous reminder of the passion and skill he brought to this world.

Just days before his 39th birthday, Ted passed away at his home in Wichita, Kansas on February 7, 2026.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Dottie Waldron, and his grandparents, Robert Sr and Dorothy Waldron and Dean and Peggy Schmidt.  He is survived by his fiancé, Michelle Dudley of the home; siblings, Robert "Trey" Waldron III of Wichita and D'Lynn Waldron of Denver, Colorado; nieces, Sofia and Sara Waldron; In-laws, Curtis Dudley (Jana) of Muldrow, Oklahoma and Mary Westbrook (Larry) of Cookson, Oklahoma; sister-in-law, Molly Fisher (Joe) of Muldrow; brother-in-law, Curtis Dudley II (Ashley) of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; niece, Alice Fisher; other relatives and many friends.

A private service will be held, followed by a private burial at the Freeport Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made payable to Beauties & Beasts of Haysville, Kansas and can be sent in care of the funeral home.

Prairie Rose Funeral Homes, 613 W 14th St ~ Harper, Kansas  67058

The family invites you to a Celebration of Life from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the Harper United Methodist Church.  Pizza and desserts will be served.