Born in Meadville, PA on September 19, 1938, Edgar “Ted” Knowlton Sheldon died peacefully in the loving presence of family on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 following a swift decline as a result of COVID pneumonia. This was somewhat surprising given the last few years of Ted’s life, when he astonished medical professionals by cheerfully refusing to perish.
Ted is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Frances “Francie” Purcell Sheldon; daughters, Megan Purcell Sheldon of Montpelier, VT and Kerry Lauren Sheldon (Ryan Forrey) of Ann Arbor, MI; beloved grandchildren, Jack Knowlton Fraker of Ann Arbor, MI, and Vivian Jane Reynolds Sheldon of Montpelier, VT; cherished nieces and nephews all over the country; and many friends in the Chelsea Retirement Community, including in his writer’s group.
Ted graduated from Yale University in 1960 and began a long and fulfilling career in corporate relations, where his diplomacy, sharp intellect, and beautiful writing led to award-winning annual reports and excellent relationships. Ted was loving, generous, kind, and unpretentious, and always a perceptive and deeply feeling man.
During his professional life, he was known for his drive and accomplishment. Later in life, Ted retained his sharp wit and pragmatic thinking but fully mastered the art of relaxing. His daughters were inspired and deeply moved by his evolution into a wise elder: tremendously patient, even though he was always a step ahead; quietly hilarious, though never at the expense of another; broadly accepting, yet deeply moral.
In his 70’s, he drove his grandkids around in his tractor and became an enthusiastic player of family games; in his 80’s, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by publishing his first novel, Depends What You Mean By Love (available on Amazon).
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 4th, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at the Towsley Chapel at Chelsea Retirement Community, 805 West Middle Street, Chelsea, Michigan 48118, where the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Refreshments will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the UMRC-Porter Hills Foundation, Benevolent Care Fund East, which provides funding for CRC residents in need and would honor Ted’s value of helping his neighbors. https://foundation.mybrio.org/donate-online/
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
