Theodore "Ted" Ralph Ogle

Theodore Ralph Ogle was born on March 2, 1931 in Frankfort, Indiana. He was raised on a farm in southern Indiana and graduated from Linton High School in 1948. After attending Purdue University for a brief period of time, he joined the U.S. Navy where he served in Corpus Christi, TX and Newfoundland as a control tower operator. Two significant events that would shape his life occurred during this four years of his life. He met his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through the outreach of a small Church of Christ in Corpus Christi and he met his wife, Martha Pipes, at the same church. Ted and Martha married in May, 1955. Ted then began his career which included working as a minister in the churches of Christ in Texas, Indiana, Michigan. During these years, his four children, (Paul, Laura, Carrie and John), were born. In 1965, the Ogles joined the Van Tate family as the first Church of Christ missionaries in Kenya in East Africa. In 1968, the Ogles returned to Texas and Ted completed a Master's degree in education which enabled him to return to Kenya in 1970 and work as a teacher and coach at Nairobi International School. After returning to the states, Ted ministered in churches in Raytown, Missouri; Honolulu, Hawaii; Abilene, Texas; and Tucson, Arizona 25th wedding anniversary in Honolulu In 1989, Ted and Martha returned to Kenya where Ted taught Bible and ministry classes at the School of Practical Ministry for several years. He then helped found the Kangemi church of Christ and took on the role of mentoring 4 young men, as well as working with World Bible School, World English Institute, and Nations University helping many get their degrees. In 2009, Ted and Martha retired to Tucson, Arizona. They continued their work in Kenya, taking trips back every year to help with the work they had established until 2011. Ted continued to work with the churches in Tucson until his health began to fail. Ted went home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 19, 2015. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Martha; his four children: Paul Ogle of Seattle, Washington; Laura (Tom) Dailey; Carrie Young; and John (Julie) Ogle all of Tucson; 8 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren; his brother, Mike (Maxine) and his sister Jo Ellen of Indiana and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sister Phyllis Williams. Ted was a man who loved God and loved people. He loved meeting people and trying to find some connection with them and had many "small world" stories of these encounters. He had a steadfast faith in God and loved to sing His praises. He loved the word of God and was a great teacher. His influence was world-wide and will only be truly known in heaven. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to: World English Institute 1525 NW Division St. Gresham, OR 97030