Obituaries detail

Ted Preston Sheldon , Age: 83
Jul 05, 1942 - Dec 28, 2025

TED PRESTON SHELDON, age 83, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025 in Overland Park, Kansas. Born July 5, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois, to Pete and Marjorie Sheldon, he grew up in Maywood, Illinois, and graduated from Proviso High School then Elmhurst University. He met the love of his life and wife of 60 years, Beverly Sheldon, at Elmhurst. They wed June 19, 1965, and she survives him.



A lifelong learner and adventurer, he earned a master’s degree and PhD in history from Indiana University as well as a master’s in library science from the University of Illinois. He became an educator and was a history professor before becoming a librarian at the University of Kansas, then SUNY-Binghamton and finally the University of Missouri-Kasnas City, where he retired as Dean of Libraries.



During his career and into retirement, Ted was a member of the American Library Association and the International Association of Sound Archivists as well as the Association for Recorded Sound Collections. His passion for music was boundless, and he saw Count Basie and his Orchestra live as frequently as possible through the years. Ted served as treasurer of the Mutual Musicians Foundation in his retirement.


Ted’s career and work with IASA allowed him to travel with Beverly across the globe, from Australia to South Africa, Oman to Singapore, Austria to Paris. But some of his most treasured memories were closer to home on vacations to Walker, Minnesota.



In retirement, Ted also served as treasurer for Blue Valley Special Olympics. But he spent his favorite times visiting with friends and telling stories. He loved the Panera group dearly and met with them via Zoom during COVID. In the past few years he appreciated visits from pastors, lay ministers and friends from Holy Cross Lutheran Church, who also heard his grand tales. 



Ted also loved sports. He was an avid Cubs fan after his mother’s heart, but cheered for the Royals, too. He loved watching the Chiefs on Sundays and bled Jayhawk crimson and blue, especially during basketball season. But after his time at Indiana University, he remained loyal to the Hoosiers, as well. He loved watching his son Mark play and later coach soccer, tuning in to watch the UMKC women the past few years. He even adopted NASCAR fandom when his daughter Kathy worked in racing, and they shared a love for hockey.



Many of Ted’s accomplishments came after his first diagnosis and treatment of cancer in 1988. He fought the disease for 37 years through several surgeries, drug trials, immunotherapy and radiation. He was truly a warrior, and the family is deeply grateful for the extraordinary care he received at the University of Kansas Cancer Center; KU Med; and at Saint Luke’s South Hospital.



Survivors include his wife, Beverly; two children, Kathryn Lynn Sheldon of Overland Park, Kansas; and Mark Sheldon of Olathe, Kansas; his sister Ruth Fox of Elmhurst, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Preston Sheldon, and mother Marjorie Sheldon.



Funeral services will be held at noon Jan. 10 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 7851 W. 119th Street, Overland Park, KS 66213. Visitation will precede services, starting at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Cross. Lunch will be served afterward.



In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either Metro Lutheran Ministry or the University of Kansas Cancer Center

Additional Service:
Visitation
Location:
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Address:
7851 W. 119th Street
City:
Overland Park
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66213
Date of Service:
Jan 10, 2026
Time of Service:
11:30AM
Additional Information:
No Additional Information Added
Google Map:
Additional Service:
Memorial Service
Location:
Holy Cross Lutheran Church
Address:
7851 W. 119th Street
City:
Overland Park
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66213
Date of Service:
Jan 10, 2026
Time of Service:
12:00PM
Additional Information:
No Additional Information Added
Google Map:

Condolences

Roy Roberts Jan 02, 2026

Friend ,Niantic ,Illinois

I ache for all of you and am filled with sorrow for not making it out to see you the past several years. You are all a treasure to me—and to countless others. What a gift to this world Ted has been and will continue to be. I love you all!

Liz Ryan Jan 02, 2026

Family friend ,Charlotte ,North Carolina

Dearest Kathy, My deepest condolences to you, your mom and your brother for the loss of your beloved Dad. My love and prayers are with you in the days ahead.

Andrea Willard Jan 02, 2026

Beverly and family, I am so sorry to hear of Ted's passing. I have you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Birgit & Rainer Lotz Jan 03, 2026

Beverly - please accept our sincere condolences. We think of you and remember our meetings around the world. What a loss

Barb and Greg Bissonnette Jan 03, 2026

Friend ,Etowah ,North Carolina

Beverly, Kathy and Mark Our deepest thought and prayers go out for the loss of your husband and dad. Barb and I remember our times spent with all of you. I often think of our days on the soccer field and basketball court along with all our family encounters. Ted will deeply be missed! Love Barb and Greg Bissonnette

Annette Haynes Jan 03, 2026

Friend ,Belton ,Missouri

Beverly and Family, Nan told me about Ted's passing. I so enjoyed working with him on the UMKC Retirees Board and talking about his involvement with Special Olympics. I also appreciated his role at the UMKC Library. He gave so much during his lifetime. May he now rest in peace.

Steve Ramm Jan 03, 2026

Friend ,Philadelphia ,Pennsylvania

I was in shock when I learned yesterday that Ted has left us so soon. I first met him through The Association for Recorded Sound where he was President from 1996-97. But then, when I'd come to KC for a conference Ted and Bev would open up their house to me and we'd venture off to an always "interesting place" in Kansas. It's been almost two years since I was last there but it's hard to believe I can't talk with him (at least here on earth) again. He was - along with Bev - and Kathy, who I met last time- a GOOD friend. He really made a difference in the world. If any of his Panera gang is reading this, thank you for allowing me to join you when I came with Ted and Bev

Barbara Tieman Jan 04, 2026

Sister-in-law ,Carol Stream ,Illinois

I was so happy to have Ted as my brother-in-law. Memories keep swirling in my heart and mind. My love goes out to my sister, Beverly, and her children, Katherine and Mark. He was a wonderful husband and father. He fought cancer courageously. He was a wonderful man who accomplished so many things. He never boasted about what he did. He maybe absent from his body but he is present with his Lord. He has no more pain or suffering. He is walking the streets of gold!

Kurt Nauck Jan 07, 2026

Ted was a super nice fellow, and a fine example of a Christ follower. We shared some great times at ARSC conferences over the years, and I look forward to our eventual reunion! Blessings to his family.