Theodore "Ted" Staub

Ted Staub, lovingly known as "Teddy Joe" to his friends and family, passed away peacefully from natural causes on August 16, 2024, in Austin, Texas, just shy of his 92nd birthday and 4 days short of his 67th wedding anniversary. Born on September 19, 1932, in Paragould, Ted's life was a rich tapestry woven with love, adventure, and an unwavering dedication to his community and family.

Ted grew up in Paragould, where his journey began, and it was there that he laid the foundations for an exceptional life. He graduated from Paragould High School in 1950 and went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army as a teletype operator in Korea during the Korean War. This experience paused his studies, but upon returning, Ted earned his degree in Agricultural Economics and Farm Finance from the University of Missouri in 1957. He was also a member of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity.

After marrying the love of his life, Barbara, Ted spent the first nine years of their union in Paragould, working in farm management. In July 1966, he and his growing family moved to Austin, Texas, where he would spend the remainder of his life. Together with his brother, Jerry, he embarked on a business venture on Red River St., which flourished into a successful chain of pawn shops and a vending machine business. His entrepreneurial spirit later led him to develop and manage a beloved garden center, Snooper's Nursery, in Round Rock, for 35 years.

Ted's life was a testament to his varied interests and passions. As a child, he received a model train for Christmas, sparking a lifelong fascination with model train and railways. His love for the outdoors and camping was ignited at a Boy Scout summer camp in Mammoth Springs, Arkansas, and continued throughout his life, spending the last 23 years with his summer friends at the Ponderosa Camp Ground in Colorado. Ted's idyllic weekends in Austin were often spent at his Lake Travis cabin, where he relished the simple pleasures of floating on an inner tube with a cool drink in hand.

His expertise in agriculture never waned, as he cultivated orchids and exotic plants, merging his career with his hobby. In his later years, Ted found joy in exploring the world through cruises and train travel, always seeking new adventures with his beloved Barbara by his side.

Ted will be remembered as a friendly, adventurous man who was always ready with a warm smile and an engaging conversation. His work life and outdoor life almost always included his faithful canine companions. His death is preceded by his parents, Lorraine Gustav Staub and Amy Louise Bingham Staub. He leaves behind a legacy of love, including his devoted wife, Barbara; his children, Theodore Joel Staub, Alan Lorraine Staub, and Joel Ann Staub Mills; his cherished grandchildren, Ann Lorraine Staub, Alan Wayne Staub, Margaret Sue Staub, Brendan Shea Mills, and Kirsten Elyse Mills; his five great-grandchildren; a younger brother, Jerry Staub; sister, Patty Jean Staub, and a wealth of nieces, nephews, and cousins who will continue to honor his memory.

His life was a true embodiment of hard work, resilience, and the joy of living. Ted's presence enriched the lives of everyone he met, and his impact will be felt for generations to come. His family takes comfort in knowing that his was a life well-lived, full of moments that will be treasured forever.

As we bid farewell to Ted Staub, we celebrate his life filled with purpose, joy, and an indomitable spirit. He will be dearly missed, but the stories of his adventures, his kindness, and his unwavering commitment to his family will live on. Ted's life was a journey well-traveled, and he has left us with a map to follow: a path of integrity, appreciation of the outdoors, and love.

Graveside services will be held in Linwood Cemetery in Paragould at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 31, 2024.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to your local Meals on Wheels or Animal Shelter.