Theodore E. "Ted" Sovern

Theodore E. "Ted" Sovern, 84, a lifelong resident who worked in, promoted, and loved Battle Creek, died at Bronson At Home Hospice Residence on Sunday, January 4, 2015.

Ted was born at his parents' home in Battle Creek, Michigan on November 26, 1930, the son of Elmer and Loie (Noviss) Sovern. He was a 1949 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School and served with the U.S. Air Force in the Korean War. After Korea, he worked 3rd shift at the Kellogg Company, and with the aid of the G.I. Bill, he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business from Western Michigan University.

Ted Sovern was united in marriage to the former Janis Ann Cole. He eventually became the owner-operator of Cole's Clothes of Distinction, which at one time had three clothing stores, including a Big & Tall Shop, women's clothing, and a Barber Shop. Cole's downtown operations were later consolidated in Lakeview Square Mall until Ted retired in 1994. The day Ted sold his downtown building to the Cereal City Development Corporation, the City of Battle Creek declared that day as Theodore "Ted" Sovern Day because of the more than 20 years he devoted to keeping downtown Battle Creek a commercial center. As one colleague stated at the time, "he demonstrated that there is no higher calling than community service."

Sovern received the George Award in 1972 and the Battle Creek Chamber of Commerce named him 1976 Boss of the Year. Ted was a leader with the Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce, Cereal City Development Corporation, Downtown Development Authority, and the Battle Creek Community Foundation. He was a former Trustee of The First Presbyterian Church, a member of the Lakeview Business Association, a member of the former Battle Creek Township Board of Trustees, and the Battle Creek Jaycees. He received numerous awards and acknowledgments for his community service, including Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 405 dated November 17, 1987 from the Michigan Legislature.

He enjoyed fishing, his antique car, and home improvement projects (both his own and helping others with theirs). Ted will be remembered for his community involvement, great sense of humor, outgoing persona, and concern for family.

Surviving are his son, Jeffrey B. (Jill Fields) Sovern of Battle Creek; daughter, Melinda K. (Louie) Lussier of Battle Creek; grandchildren, Kelly (Joe) Blanchard-Mayo, Cole Lussier and Emilie Lussier; a brother, Richard (Barb) Sovern of Stuart, FL; a sister, Beverly Levy of Battle Creek; and numerous nieces, nephews and their families. Ted was preceded in death by a daughter, Connie Lynn Sovern; wife, Janis Sovern; parents; stepfather, Dorr Newton; brothers, Robert Sovern, Jack Sovern and Elmer Sovern; and sisters, Thelma Marx and Leila May Millward.

Military Honors were bestowed by the Ft. Custer Honor Guard and the U.S Air Force Honor Guard at Ft. Custer National Cemetery 2:30 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2015. Interment followed at the cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bronson at Home Hospice, 166 E. Goodale, Battle Creek, MI 49037;
or the Fund for Battle Creek, held at the Battle Creek Community Foundation, 34 W. Jackson St. Suite1, Battle Creek, MI 49017.

Arrangements are by the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.