Colonel Ted Westerman, US Army, retired, died peacefully from natural causes with family by his side in Santa Barbara.

He was born in Chicago, Illinois, to his mother Frances and his father Walter, the best man the colonel ever knew.

He achieved a BA in administration; and an MS in international relations from George Washington University. He is a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College and the National War College.

It was while he was at the Staff College that he meet and married his wife and best friend of 49 years, Kay. Kay passed away in April of 2023.

He and Kay travelled extensively around the world with great friends. They lived in Calabasas, California, for 31 years until he relocated to Santa Barbara after Kay’s passing, to be near family. Ted died the day before their 60th wedding anniversary, and two days before his 89th birthday.

Ted served or was employed in the Defense and National Security establishment for over 46 years. He served on active duty with the US Army for 22 years, retiring as a colonel. He commanded combat units in infantry, armored cavalry, special operations and aviation units from the platoon to brigade.

During his three assignments to Vietnam, Ted was one of the most valor-decorated officers to have served there.

He was decorated for personal valor 18 times, and was awarded, among others, the Silver Star; Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster; Bronze Star with Valor and four oak leaf clusters; Soldiers Medal; Air Medal with Valor and 11 oak leaf clusters; the Purple Heart; and the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with gold star and palm.

Ted was an officer at Hughes Electronics from 1981 to 1998. He was elected senior vice president and chief administrative officer in 1994, a position he held until he retired.

Prior to his time at Hughes, Ted was a group vice president at Dart Industries, where he worked for Justin Dart, who mentored and assisted so many military officers in their transition to the civilian sector.

Ted’s two favorite pastimes were flying aerobatic planes, and golfing with his friends. He so loved the many dogs they had over the years.

His wry sense of humor and ability to tell a story is something many loved about him, including his loyalty to family and friends.

Ted is survived by his only child Jennifer, her spouse Mac and their two children; and his younger brother John. His older brother Frank passed in 2024.

Ted was a wonderful father, brother, grandfather and mentor, inspiring his grandson to pursue a career in the field of aviation.

He will be buried with honors at Arlington National Cemetery among his soldiers of the 5th Infantry.