Theodore Leon “Ted” Gilchrist, 73, of Lake Charles, La., passed away peacefully in his home.
He was born Jan. 28, 1949 in Lake Charles, La., where he was a lifelong resident. He graduated from LaGrange High School and served his country in the U.S. Navy for over four years. He enjoyed playing the drums and played with various bands during his younger years, was the drummer for the U.S. Navy’s first Country and Western recruiting band and taught his grandson to play at an early age. Most of Ted’s career was spent as a mortgage lender as he owned and operated Greychrist and most recently retired from Progressive. He was a member of St. Margaret Catholic Church. Ted enjoyed spending time on the water in his boat and fishing. He also enjoyed listening to music and was a self-proclaimed Parrot Head, although he looked and sounded more like Elvis. Ted also enjoyed golfing, had his pilot’s license, and enjoyed traveling the country and beyond.
Ted is survived by his daughter, Shelly Gilchrist; two grandchildren, Brittnie Henning, and Collin Henning and wife Ashley; two great-grandchildren, Conner and Ethan Henning; mother of his child, Beverly Gilchrist; step-sisters, Becky Clement White, Cindy Gay and husband Kenneth, and Mandy Barber and husband Ron; and nephew, Gary Seager, with his children, Becca and Ryan.
He was preceded in death by his father, T. L. Gilchrist; mother, Evelie Clement; and step-father, Guy Clement.
His memorial service will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 6, 2022 at Johnson Funeral Home of Lake Charles. Deacon Anthony Pousson will officiate. A gathering of family and friends will be at the funeral home on Monday from 1 p.m. until the start of the service.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net