Teddy Wayne Trippe

August 10, 1935 – June 23, 2021

Ted Trippe, DDS, 85, of Denton, TX, died peacefully on June 23, 2021. Ted was born on August 10, 1935, in Texarkana, Arkansas to Carmon Welton and Wilma (Smith) Trippe. He moved to Lubbock, TX during his childhood and enjoyed piano lessons and tennis for much of his youth. His parents became concerned he was taking too many "elective" courses like band and general business, so they enrolled him in TX Military Institute (TMI) of San Antonio, TX for his 11 ^th and 12 ^th grade years, where he still played tennis and was the drum major in the marching band.

After graduating from TMI, Ted moved back to Lubbock and enrolled in TX Tech University majoring in pre-med/pre-dental coursework. During the first semester of his senior year, as he walked across campus, in front of him appeared a life-size poster that said, "Join The Navy!" Without his parents' knowledge, that's exactly what he did.

He entered the Navy, was accepted to flight school, sang in the Naval Cadet Choir, and was stationed in Hawaii during peacetime. He remained in the Navy for 5 years flying P2V patrols and upon discharge, enrolled in the University of Texas. With his sights set to complete his pre-dental coursework, he successfully navigated a blind date with Wileen Jones who was living in Irving, TX. Following graduation, Ted and Wileen married on August 29, 1964, in Dallas, TX and in the fall of 1965, Ted was accepted to The University of Texas Dental School in Houston, TX. After graduation in 1969, he and Wileen moved to Denton where he practiced dentistry for 32 years on Elm Street, retiring in 2001.

Ted's love for music marked the entire course of his life. He played clarinet in school and in the community band, sang in countless church choirs, and was the volunteer piano player at the Sterling House on Sundays. Evenings were filled with the sound of piano for him to relax, unwind and worship, often enjoyed by and with family and friends.

He stayed active over the course of his life, whether that was through camping, hiking, playing for hours with his grandkids (at the park, in the backyard, or on his living room floor) or constantly fixing anything that was broken. Neighbors have fond memories of visiting with him when they'd see him out on walks or picking up pinecones, which was a faithful and frequent occurrence.

His love for the Lord was evident to those around him. Ted participated in many Bible studies and men's groups over the years. His brothers-in-Christ strengthened his faith often. A trip to Israel with Denton Bible Church was an event he looked back on as a faith-deepening time. He followed Jesus and shared Him while always being a joyful encourager of others.

Ted's heart for others took him on several dental mission trips to Mexico, Honduras with Mercy Ships, and 4 times to Romania with Denton Bible Church (DBC) carrying portable dental equipment. In 2010, he started a charitable dental clinic with DBC and Vision Ministries on Maple St. until the city bought the building. In 2012, he opened the Denton Dental Mission on Elm St.

Ted is survived by his wife of 56 years, Wileen Trippe of Denton, son, Doug Trippe and his wife Debbie of Texarkana, TX, with grandchildren Taylor, Peyton, Parker, Walker, and son, Ron Trippe and his wife Michelle of Murphy, TX with grandchildren Karis, Hannah, Haley and Caleb.

See you soon Honey, Dad, Papa and Good Friend! We love and miss you dearly already!

A celebration of his life will be held at 1:30 pm on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at Denton Bible Church, 2300 E. University Dr. Denton, TX 76201. A visitation will follow the service. Memorials may be made to Denton Bible Church-Missions or charity of your choice.