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The Life and Times of Theodore Jefferson Stahl, Jr. Theodore "Ted" J. Stahl Jr., was born on December 19, 1927 and died on November 24, 2011 living 83 years, 11 months, and 5 days. He was surrounded by his loving wife Mary Ruth, daughters Deborah & Cristelle, and son Theodore III during his final days in this life. Ted was born in San Antonio, TX to Theodore J. Stahl Sr. and Pauline McDaniel Stahl and was greeted on his birth day by his older sister, Paulita. Accept for a short period of service to the nation during World War II, he lived his entire life in San Antonio where his accomplishments were many. He attended Hot Wells High School where as an accomplished athlete "Lettered" in football, baseball, and a stellar tennis player who was a District Champion. Ted, a National Honors Society Member, graduated from Hot Wells High School in 1945 making many lifelong friends of which many remained throughout his life. He joined the United States Maritime Service on July 12, 1945 at the age of 17 and earned the rank of Seaman Second Class before his Honorable discharge on November 30, 1945. On July 15, 1946, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp as a Stenographer and Sharpshooter Rifleman earning the rank of Sergeant before he was honorably discharged on July 14, 1949 due to service connected injuries. During his service time, he saved a fellow marine's life preventing him from committing suicide by drowning. After his military service, he attended Texas A & M University for two years studying Agriculture as part of his plan to work in farming and ranching. In 1950, joined Civil Service, servicing for 28 years, retired in April 1978. In 1951, he proposed to his beautiful wife Mary Ruth Sloop and they were married on December 22, 1951. In October 1952 they welcomed their first child, Deborah; in January 1956, they were blessed with a second daughter, Cristelle and in July 1962, their only son, Jeff. As a young man he found the time to learn to fly several types of aircraft earning both a Private and Commercial Pilots license. However, gave up his dream of flying commercially due to his hearing loss. In 1957, Ted and Mary Ruth joined Harlandale Presbyterian Church where Ted served as an Elder, Deacon, Youth Sponsor, and Sunday School Teacher. He always stood outside one of the main entry doorways greeting all who entered the Lord's house. Being a devout Christian he was always ready to share God's message with all who would listen. He enjoyed communing with the Lord in nature and stood out as a colorful camp counselor at John Knox Ranch, earning the nickname "the bald eagle". During the 1950's and 1960's, he served as Secretary/Treasurer of the San Antonio Lions Club earning several awards of recognition. During the 1970's and 1980's, Ted served for the Boy Scouts of America in the Alamo Area Council and Tejas Valley District in many capacities to include Scout Troop Committee member, Scoutmaster, Wood Badge, and District Commissioner earning the Silver Beaver which is the council-level distinguished service award for adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth through service given to the council and who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service. Also, as an honored scouter and camper served in the Order of the Arrow, Aina Topa Hutsi Lodge 60 being distinguished as a Vigil Honor member and given the name "Silver Fox". During his service as Scoutmaster, while on a weekend troop campout, saved a young boy from drowning in the Medina River. As of July 6, 2011, Ted became a 60 year member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons as a Master Mason as well as a life member of the Scottish Rite and York Rite. A member of the Alzafar Shrine, yet another example of his kindness and big heart every year he would purchase many tickets to the Shrine Circus held in San Antonio and give them to the Shriner's Children Hospitals to provide the children with happy memories. Ted, "Set the Example" as a Christian through his many kind and heroic actions. He always shone as he shined among all men! Let us all follow his example and seek the truth through Christ our Lord and Savior. May God love and keep you forever through Jesus Christ and by the power of his Holy Spirit. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, 11 months, Mary Ruth Stahl; daughter and husband, Deborah Ruth & Johnnie Rinks, daughter, Cristelle Stahl; son and wife, Theodore J. III &Thessely Stahl; grand-son and wife, Theodore J. IV and Kourtney Stahl; grand-daughter and husband, Adrienne and Wesley Outlaw; grand-daughter and husband, Heather and Jeff Amodeo; and three great-grand children. A one hour viewing/visitation will precede the funeral on Friday, December 2, 2011 at Noon at Mission Park North chapel, 3401 Cherry Ridge, San Antonio, TX. The family requests in lieu of flowers to make a donation to the Shriner's Children Hospitals or the Cancer charity of your choice.

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Theodore J. Stahl, Jr.

December 19, 1927 - November 24, 2011