COMER, Theodore "Ted" III 49 of Dayton, died a "sober death" in his home Friday, March 19, 2004. Ted was preceded in death by his mother, Gini Comer; and granddaughter, Christel Lehmkuhl. He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Karen Comer; her children, Pamela Brewer, Tina Coyle, Joel (Christine) Lehmkuhl; father, Theodore Comer, Jr.; father and mother-in-law, Dale and Virginia Kress; sister, Connie (Bruce) Carlton; grandchildren, Markey and Chelsea Brewer, and Ashley Miller; niece, Jennifer (Larry) Hudson; and nephew, Christopher Carlton. Ted was a graduate of Beavercreek High School, class of 1973. He also attended the University of Cincinnati, Wright State University, and Sinclair Community College. As a youth, Ted participated in DeMolay with his father. Ted was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He worked for Reynolds & Reynolds for 21 years as a journeyman press operator. He also served on the Steering Committee and Employee Foundation and was awarded the Human Spirit Award Worldwide at Reynolds & Reynolds. Ted was the foster father of 70 foster children and was known as "Big Guy." He was active in the Building Bridges, George Foster Program with Montgomery Co. Juvenile Courts and the South Community Therapeutic Foster Care Program. Ted was devoted for 17 years to those recovering from drug and Alcohol addictions. He was once known to drive across Florida while on vacation to help a suffering alcoholic get to a treatment center. Ted had an enthusiasm for HO Slot Car Racing and then One-32nd Scale Slot Car Racing which led him to a friendship with a group of young men. He also enjoyed remote control cars. His slot car racing buddy founded and started The Hobby Shop were he worked briefly. He was also involved with the Side Band Radio Club, Whiskey Delta with call letters: WD232. Ted also enjoyed and was an avid Disc Golf Player and participated in the World Tournament for Disc Golf. Ted loved and cared for his mother dearly and continued to love and support his family. He enjoyed supporting and participating in activities with his grandchildren. His grandkids describe him as an angel, indescribable, amazing, and "everything." He was a loving rebel with a cause: "To thine own self be true." Ted lived by the words, "I can't. He can. I think I'll let Him." Ted continued to the end, carrying out his various ministries despite his constant pain and deteriorating health from diabetes. Memorial services will be held 3:00 p.m. Friday, March 26, 2004 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 901 Whipp Road, Centerville. Arrangements entrusted to Newcomer-Farley Funeral Home, Kettering Chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to Building Bridges, George Foster Program, 3501 Merrimac Ave., Dayton, OH 45405. .Published in Dayton Daily News from March 25 to March 26, 2004