Theodor Winfield Cordes, age 82, passed away at his residence in Panama City Beach, FL. Ted was born in Brooklyn, NY on March 2, 1940 to Theodor and Elizabeth Cordes.

As a young man, Ted was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve. As a combat engineer, he specialized in the assembly, disassembly and occasional demolition of bridges for an armored division. During the same period of his life, he also obtained a bachelor's degree in Education from Patterson State College. He would later follow up with a master's degree in Education from Trenton State College.

Ted spent the majority of his adult life as a teacher and supervisor of special education in the Toms River school system. He was a devoted father and enjoyed boating, fishing and Little League baseball with his son. He retired to Stuart, Florida and then moved to Panama City Beach to be near family. He is survived by his sister Barbara Cordes, his son Brett, daughter-in-law Erica, and granddaughter Emma.

A private memorial service will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, please think about donating to Ted's favorite charities Habitat for Humanity or Wounded Warriors.

The family would like to thank everyone at Superior Residences assisted living, Emerald Coast Hospice and the numerous first responders, home care, health care, and hospital workers that have helped Ted through the last years of his life. You made a great difference in his quality of life and we are very grateful.