Theodore A. "Ted" Carbine

Theodore A. Carbine, age 78, of Battle Creek passed away on Sunday, December 24, 2017 at the Glenn Arbor Hospice Residence. He was born February 24, 1939 in Memphis, TN to Ione Sweet Bryce and Theodore P. Carbine. Ted was a graduate of the Lakeview High School, Class of 1957, and worked his way through college as a conductor on the Grand Trunk Western Railroad.

Ted was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force, having served from 1962 to 1968. Ted was a true Entrepreneur, an avid reader and researcher, whose businesses included Laundromats, Fire & Water Restoration, Baker Bros. Cleaners & Carpet Cleaning, Construction, Vending, and others.

Ted and his father built a number of houses and renovated houses for his employees. He wanted them to enjoy a better life. His additions to Baker Bros. encouraged his wife, Debra, to expand Fantasy Costume. Ted loved visiting the costume shop since he was a man who wore many hats.

As a young man, Ted studied classical piano, was an expert downhill skier, and loved walking the gulf shore beaches with his wife. Ted loved animals and reminisced about his Dalmatian, "Shadow", who followed him everywhere. The same was true for the succession of "pussy cats" who could count on Ted for a treat. Ted loved to tell stories, and there were many. He rode his horse through the Meadows, before streets or houses, survived two train wrecks, and met Frank Sinatra in a jazz club in Chicago. Ted's collection of Jazz LP's was expansive.

Surviving are his wife, Debra Wondergem; daughter, Traci (Kim) Dayton; and grandson, Quinton Reed.

Following cremation, Ted will be laid to rest with his parents at Riverside Cemetery, Bellevue. Please consider making donations in Ted's memory, to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.