Theodore Adam Inman

Reverend Theodore “Tedd” Inman, 81, of Topeka, passed away peacefully at his home Thursday, August 14, 2025.

Tedd dedicated an impressive 41 years of his life to ministry within the Kansas East Conference of the United Methodist Church, serving from 1967 until his retirement in 2008. His pastoral journey led him to various congregations, including Prairie Village Asbury, Americus, Dunlap, Bushong, Topeka Highland Park, Emporia, Coffeyville, Dearing, Overland Park Saint Mark's, and Pittsburg. He embodied the calling to serve others, exemplifying humility and genuine care for those in his community.

Educated in his early years at Tom's River High School, where he graduated in 1962, Tedd continued his studies at Bethany College, earning his degree in 1966. He further pursued a Masters of Divinity at Saint Paul's School of Theology in Kansas City, Missouri, preparing him for a life grounded in faith and leadership.

While in high school, Tedd had various jobs that he spoke of often recounting the many life lessons he learned. These included bus boy, waiter, amusement ride operator on the Jersey Shore, day laborer with a custom cabinet shop, egg farm worker, and youth member helping with religious education for 5th and 6th graders.

Tedd's spirit of adventure was evident from a young age, as he became a Boy Scout in Tom's River, New Jersey, where he not only honed his skills in model making but also developed a lifelong commitment to scouting. His preparedness earned him respect and gratitude from many, as he was always ready with extra supplies, even when others found humor in his foresight. Tedd cherished his time leading and encouraging youth through scouting, embodying the very values he instilled in young people. Tedd was honored to be a Camp Chaplain for three different scouting camps in Pennsylvania and Kansas. In addition to the Chaplain role, he assisted with staff meal service, instructed daily physical exercises, worked at the Trading Post, and taught merit badges in wood carving and basketry.

A man of many talents, Tedd found joy in music, often playing the piano and guitar, and singing alongside his beloved wife, Vivian Kay Inman, with whom he shared 55 loving years of marriage after meeting at Bethany. He instilled a deep appreciation for music in his family, using it as a means to bring together his loved ones and the broader community.

Tedd was a proud father of two sons, Adam (Brenda) Inman of Manhattan, Kansas, and Andrew (Corinne) Inman of Topeka. Opa Tedd's legacy continues through his five grandchildren, Avery, Brady, Colby, Julius, and Anastasia, with whom he shared special moments that brought him immense joy. Many of his proudest moments were baptizing his grandchildren and guiding them in their scouting journey. He enjoyed spending time with them, engaging in activities and nurturing their passions.

Beyond his commitments, Tedd was known for his enthusiasm for hiking and camping, often immersed in nature and sharing those experiences with the Boy Scouts. He had a knack for sewing and possessed a unique skill in removing stains, ensuring that every outfit looked pristine. Even when his oldest son wanted to keep grass stains on his sports uniforms.

Tedd cherished his brother, James Inman, who preceded him in death. He also remembered with fondness his parents, James and Martha Inman, who instilled in him the values he carried throughout his life.

His calling was one of profound service, driven to support and uplift those around him. Theodore Adam Inman will be deeply missed, but his spirit and dedication to family, music, and community will forever resonate in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 26th, 2025, at Grace Episcopal Cathedral, 701 SW 8th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603, with a memorial service beginning at 10:30 a.m. Inurnment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Topeka.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be given to Scouts BSA Jayhawk Area Council, 1020 SE Monroe St., Topeka, KS 66612-1110 or United Methodist UMCOR Global Missions, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068 or United Methodist Men, General Conference 810 12th Ave S Nashville Tn 37203.

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