Ted Lee Schlichter, age 65, passed away peacefully on Oct. 22, 2026. Born on July 9, 1961, Ted was the son of the late Sam and Maxine Schlichter. He grew up in the countryside of Wells County, Indiana, as part of a family of nine raised on the family farm, and was a 1980 graduate of Norwell High School.
A dedicated worker throughout his life, Ted began his career right out of high school, working alongside his father in the family business for five years. He went on to spend a decade working at Bendix in Huntington before joining Wagner Meinert LLC (WMI) in Fort Wayne, where he gave many years of skilled service until 2012.
Ted was a true outdoorsman at heart who was happiest in the open air, especially when spending a quiet day out fishing. An avid sports fan, he loved Indiana Hoosiers basketball, especially during the Bob Knight era.
In 2012, following a tragic event that resulted in a traumatic brain injury and complete vision loss, Ted faced the years that followed with quiet resilience, supported by the care and devotion of his family.
Through all of life’s changes, Ted deeply loved his grandchildren—they were truly what he lived for, and spending time with them brought immense joy to his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Maxine Schlichter; his son, Brad Lee Schlichter; and his brothers, Dan Schlichter and Drew Schlichter.
Ted is survived by his loving children, Stacy Young (Cody) of Ossian, Indiana, and Brent Schlichter (Breanna) of Ossian, Indiana; his cherished grandchildren, Khloe Murray, Bailey Tilley, Kolten Schlichter, Benson Schlichter, and Blakely Young; his sisters, Sue Crawford (Doug) and Nancy Haley (Jim); his surviving brothers; as well as his extended family and close friends.
Memorial gifts to honor Ted’s love of books and audiobooks may be made to APH Braille Tales, a partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library supporting literacy for visually impaired children. Donate online at aph.org/donate or mail to: APH, 1839 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206, with memo, Braille Tales.