Theodore Leroy Ely of Jefferson was born to Everett and Henrietta (Gibson) Ely in Guthrie County on January 6, 1937.
Ted was very talented in a number of disciplines. He was a builder, craftsman, and an arborist. He planted thousands of evergreens that he produced around Greene County that can be seen protecting farms from bitter north winds to this day. He raised and sold many more as Christmas trees while teaching fulltime.
Ted Ely died August 8, 2019, at the age of 82 years. Survivors include brother Tom (Barb) Ely of Climax Springs, MO; sons Ted (Teresa Lawler) of Ankeny and Tim (Adriana) of Jefferson; daughter Cindy Harms of Boone; grandchildren McKenna (David) Smith of Kansas City, KS, Alex (Amanda) Ely of Omaha, NE, Eric (April) Ely of Council Bluffs, and Derek Harms and Kendra Harms, both of Boone. He also enjoyed his three great-grandchildren.
He did not wish to have any services but condolences to his family and friends would be welcome. He would appreciate anyone to plant and nurture a tree.
Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home provided professional services.
