TED HOMER – The lion and warrior needs our help!

If you’re reading this post, you likely know Ted Homer. Born as Theodore Louis Homer – he has been known as Ted, or H, or sometimes Theo, among family and friends. Perhaps you spent some of your childhood with Ted, met him face-to-face in a huddle on the gridiron of life at Oviedo High School where Ted played left guard and linebacker. Maybe you live in a home that captured a bit of Ted’s blood, sweat and devotion as he built some extraordinary homes over many years in the construction industry. Or, he called you OUT while umpiring the over 50 baseball leagues. Whatever the case, I hope you’ll read on and consider this request for our friend and loved one – Ted Homer.

In 2017, Ted began a fight for his life against throat cancer. Like with any one of you or your loved ones who have faced this enemy, the battle is never easy. Some days are simply better than others – and some days, well – the enemy wins over. The treatments were grueling but led to a four-year period of remission. Unfortunately, in August 2021, the disease awakened with a mighty roar as it had metastasized into Ted’s lungs and other vital organs. For nearly four months, he once again faced the evil disease only to learn that he had COVID – which would delay treatments for two months. Once out from under COVID, Ted was once again back on treatments but with new and more devastating news that the disease had spread to his brain. By Mother’s Day, 2022 – Ted faced the most unwelcomed news of all – the treatments were no longer adding any quality to his life and, at best, the quantity they might add would be overwhelming even for the lion that we know as Ted.

This lion continues to push himself meeting with friends and family near and far as often and as long as he can. Just this last week, Ted met for breakfast with several of his football buddies, one of his coaches and a dear and beautiful friend facing her own battle with cancer. There was no greater joy for Ted than looking into the eyes of old friends and remembering such youthful and innocent days.

Ted has spoken openly and clearly with his ex-wife, dear friend and caregiver Kristie about his wishes – the greatest one – not to leave anyone with financial burdens; to include his aging parents. Without life insurance and very little income over the last five years, this is a huge concern for Ted. Another wish, he would like to rest in the Chuluota Cemetery where his name will live on and family and friends can visit and tell stories about the days of their youth, or growing older but still sliding into second base only to limp for a week afterwards.

Hospice is now a part of Ted’s daily life as they help to manage pain and discomfort. His family - parents: Rita and Larry Homer, brother: Randy and his wife Carol, children: Kim, Jack and Josh along with five grandchildren are doing what they can to pour out their love and support. Ted also has his little angel looking over his shoulder, his younger brother Jeff who passed many years ago at the age of 24. Kristie is standing by him, sharing her faith while holding his hands and comforting him through the long days as he fights the enemy that came too soon. Ted has met with a Chaplain and continues to discuss the fact that he will likely face forever before any one of us reading this thread. In mid-May, Doctors predicted only a “couple of months.”

With this information – and if you are capable of making a donation toward his afterlife wish to rest in the rich soil of Chuluota – which he considers home – your generosity would be so greatly appreciated. Whatever dollars are collected will help to offset the costs for a plot and the burial arrangements.

Ted continues to welcome every call, text, and prayer. In your prayers, please ask for mercy and a peaceful transition from this life to the next for Ted!

Please contact Kristie Jones if you have any questions – [phone redacted]. Cards or letters can be mailed to:

Kristie Jones

Attention: Ted Homer

540 E. 5th Street

Chuluota, FL 32766