Theophil Clauss

CLAUSS, Thephil Born in West Los Angeles on June 30, 1931.  He passed away with his family around him, on July 12, 2013, in Meridian, Idaho while on vacation.  Ted was preceded in death by his parents Thephil Leopold Clauss and Mary Adele Walterman, brother, Emerson, sisters, Betty and Bea, and his only son Keith.  He is survived by his wife of thirty years, Judy, daughters, Teresa (Grant) Clark, Toni Janssen, Denise (Rod) Lenzora and Trista (Richard) Cunningham, 14 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren, a nephew, Ted and a niece, Shirley.  He was a Papa to all.  Ted graduated from Belmont High School in 1949.  After High School, Ted joined the naval reserves in 1950, and then hooked up his time when he joined the Air Force having served honorably for four years he decided it was time to raise his family.  He started his aerospace career with Douglas Air Craft Company in 1954, he was a flight line jockey.  At night he attended El Camino community college anf then Northrop Technology Institute and graduated with a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering.  When Douglas Air Craft could not provide him with further challenges he went to work for North American Aviation in 1958, as a liaison engineer of flight operations.  He had an illustrious career in aerospace spanning from the Hound Dog program (NAA's AGM-28 supersonic, jet propelled, air-launched cruise missile), through the Apollo program and finally the Space Shuttle program.  During the Shuttle program, Ted was the Manager of Manufacturing (Aft) and then the Director of Thermal Protection and finally Site Director of the Palmdale Plant, the home of the shuttle fleet.  He retired after 33 years in the aerospace industry in 1991.  Ted didn't have enough challenges so he began preparing tax returns with Tax Corporation of America and continued with H & R Block for 20 years, retiring in 2005.  TC had robust zest for life, he absolutely enjoyed everybody he met and always found a story to capture their interests and a sense of humor unparalleled.  he had a knack for figures of speech that we all called "Tedisms".  He was a wonderful father, husband, grandfather and great-grandfather.  He was deeply devoted to his family taking pride in their accomplishments and providing wise counsel when needed.  The larger than life man Ted, TC, Pops, Dad, Papa had a huge heart with more than enough love for his family and many friends.  He will be deeply missed.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to a non-profit hospice in your area.  Plans for a Memorial will be held at Chapel of the Valley Mortuary 1755 E. Avenue R, Palmdale,  at 12p.m., followed by a reception at one of Ted's haunting grounds, the Texas Cattle Co at 44206 10th Street West, Lancaster, CA 93534.