Theodore Huston Obituary

Theodore G. "Ted" Huston Jr.

Dec 13, 1943 - Sep 28, 2025

Sandusky

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Theodore "Ted" G. Huston Jr., who peacefully reunited with the Lord Sunday, September 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at Stein Hospice, at the age of 81. Ted was born December 13, 1943, in Sandusky, to Theodore G. & Anna M. Huston Sr.

Ted was a lifelong resident of Sandusky and a member and Trustee of St. Stephen A.M.E. Church. In 1982, he was appointed executive director of the Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron, and Richland Counties, Inc. (CACEHR). Ted dedicated 29 years to CACEHR, serving nine years as assistant director and 20 years as executive director, retiring in 2002. Before joining CACEHR, Ted worked as a licensed insurance salesman from 1968 to 1979. He attended Bowling Green State University and completed numerous training courses, workshops, and internships.

Ted served as president of the local NAACP Chapter, president of the City's Affirmative Action Committee, and board chair of the Erie Metropolitan Housing Board. He was a member of numerous boards and committees, including the Erie County Workforce Investment Act Board, Bay Area Neighborhood Development Corporation, Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio Inc., Erie County Revolving Loan Fund Committee, Great Lakes Rural Community Assistance Program, and African American Community Action Leaders. Ted also served on the City of Sandusky Recreation Board, the Charter Review Committee, and the Ohio Weatherization Training Institute.

Ted was instrumental in the establishment and development of Windy Acres, a 36-unit Senior Housing project in New London, and in the construction of Community Plaza, a 29-unit Senior Housing Project in Sandusky, positively impacting the lives of seniors in both communities. He purchased the Norwalk Neighborhood Center, Food Bank, and Homeless Shelter for families in Norwalk. He was recognized with the Leadership Award for making changes on a local and national scale, enhancing the State of Ohio, and improving the communities where he lived and served. His successful lawsuit against the City of Sandusky for discrimination against female minorities in federal court had a lasting impact on the lives of minorities. Ted helped establish the African American Community Action Leaders, Ohio Urban Resources Systems (O.U.R.S.), and the Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies (OACAA). He negotiated and was awarded $20 million in state funding for Head Start programs during his tenure as Executive Director of the CACEHR. Ted and his wife, Retired Rev. Barbara J. Huston, founded the African American Heritage Festival to promote awareness through education, cultural knowledge, and the celebration of African heritage in Sandusky.

Ted instilled the importance of family, community service, and hard work in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was always a man of integrity; many who knew him sought his advice, guidance, and wisdom. He believed in the power of family and dedicated his life to creating a loving and supportive home. Ted's stories, advice, warm smile, and hugs will be remembered and cherished by many.

He is survived by his loving wife, Retired Rev. Barbara J. Huston of 60 years; five children, Gregory K. Huston (Tracy) of Cleveland, Allyson L. Arrington (Jerome) of Atlanta, Georgia, Victor D. Huston of

Sandusky, Malcolm V. Huston (Mary) of Garden Ridge, Texas, and Camilla L. Alexander (Gary) of Sandusky; 19 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; and his adoptive sister, Rena "NaNa" Wadell of Atlanta, Georgia; his aunts, Minnie E. (Huston) Isom of Oberlin, and Thelma (Thomas) Darden, Sandusky; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Theodore was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore G. and Anna M. (Simmons) Huston Sr.; his grandparents, Theodore O. and Mayme (Lumn) Huston and Esau and Carrie (Wheeler) Simmons; stepgrandmother, Hattie Simmons; and numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins, niece, and nephews.

Ted's kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for his family and community will never be forgotten!

A celebration to honor Ted's life and legacy will take place Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1215 Pierce St., Sandusky. Visitation is from 10-11 a.m. with services following at 11 a.m. The Rev. Thomas Hayes will officiate. A livestream of the celebration is available on Facebook at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

In honor of Ted's life, memorial contributions may be made to Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron, & Richland Counties Inc., and Stein Hospice.

Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, is handling the arrangements.

Condolences may be made to the family by visiting toftfuneralhome.com