Theodore Luther Schultz, Jr.

Theodore (Ted) Luther Schultz, Jr., age 95, passed away on September 27, 2015, at Tidewell Hospice, Bradenton, FL. Ted is survived by his daughters Sandra and Marie and loving companion, Ann Craig, as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ted is a veteran of World War II, where he served in the US Navy and was honorably discharged with the rank of Petty Officer, Second Class.

Ted grew up in Philadelphia, the son of Theodore and Bessie Schultz. He joined the family steeplejack business in his teens and after the US entry into WWII, enlisted in the navy. Ted was ordered to the Naval Ship Yard in Evansville, Indiana and was assigned to LST 812. Ted was a member of the crew when the ship was commissioned and therefore, considered a 'Plank Owner'. His ship sailed for the Pacific in September 1944. Ted served as Boatswain's Mate, Second Class and participated in the Iwo Jima Campaign, Okinawa Gunto Campaign and Occupation of Japan.  The ship and its crew received the Combat Action Ribbon with 2 stars, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and Navy Occupation Service Medal (with Asia clasp).

Following his return to the United States in December 1945, Ted resumed his work as a steeplejack and became a member in Philadelphia Millwright Local 1906. Ted garnered himself a reputation for mechanical aptitude, problem solving skills and work ethic that resulted in a successful 37 year career.

Upon retirement, Ted moved to Bradenton, Florida but he was not one to sit around. He was always tinkering with ways to make people's lives easier and more secure.  Among his many inventions, he developed an entry door security device and detachable tray for walkers, both of which were granted patents by the U.S. Patent and Trademark office.  He also worked tirelessly as a volunteer at the H2U Senior Center. Ted applied a lifetime of skills assisting the center's operations department. Ted hobbies included hunting, fishing and dancing.  His family and friends will miss his creativity, story telling, and sense of adventure.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, October 9, 2015 at Sarasota National Cemetery, Sarasota, with military honors by the United States Navy.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to H2U Senior Center of Bradenton in his memory.

Condolences for the family may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com.