Obituary of Ted Mayes

Ted W Mayes Sr. of Erie, Michigan, age 62, died unexpectedly Monday, April 2, 2007 at his home. His loving family was at his side. He was born August 8, 1944 in Knoxville, Tennessee, the son of Sterling Benjamin and Sally (Linkes) Mayes. On September 5, 1970 he married Mary McElligott in Erie, Michigan. Ted enlisted and served two tours in the US Army during the Vietnam Conflict from April 14, 1965 until April 8, 1968. He obtained the rank of E-5 as a member of the First Calvary Division and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious service. For more than 40 years, Ted worked in construction. He partnered wi th big brother, Jerry Costelli, and Ed St. Bernard to form JET Builders. From 1985 until 2006 he co-owned Star Construction with his brother, Johnny. In 2001 he formed a partnership with his best friend, Larry Harper; which became Harper-Star Construction. In 2006 he semi-retired and then operated Mayes Construction. Ted was considered a hero to all and a father to many. One of Ted's passions was spending time with family and friends. He especially loved his grandchildren. He wasn't just a builder of wealth, companies, and homes; everything he built was around one word alone, Love. He loved his family and friends passionately and taught them to do the same, and for that he'll leave a legacy to all who carry his name. Ted's catch phrase was "Money Doesn't Impress Me, People Do". Ted had a heart of gold and was the ring-leader and glue that held his family together. Ted was the tour concierge for family and friends on thirty-three cruises, some with as many as 160 guests. He also enjoyed supervising his neighbor's woodworking and home improvement projects. In addition to his wife Mary, he is survived by two sons, Brandon C. Mayes of Erie and Chad Herzog of Monroe; two daughters, Charlene (Scott) Deszell of Dickson, Tennessee and Cinnamon (Ierrod) Weikum of Monroe; four brothers, Robert Mayes of Ida, Jerry (Linda) Costelli of Erie, David (Judy) Mayes of Walbridge, Ohio and Johnny (Debbie) Mayes of Newport; five sisters: Shirley Giljum of Monroe, Betty (Skip) Uhl of Luna Pier, Melody (Jackie) Jordan and Velvet (Randy) Rauton, both of Knoxville, Tennessee and Heather (John) Chaney of Perrysburg, Ohio; and five grandchildren, Christopher and Erica Deszell, Dakota and Rio Weikum, and Kennedy Mayes. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first born son, Ted Wesley Mayes II "The Grizz". Friends may call from 3-9 p.m., Thursday and from 10 a.m. until funeral services at 2:00 p.m., Friday at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. The Rev. Roy Southerland, pastor of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church, will officiate. Graveside services will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park under the Auspices of Monroe VFW Post 1138. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Brian S. Merkle through the Covenant Cremation and Funeral Society. Mary Martin will always be grateful when fate interceded and sent that handsome man her way, and she will love Ted Wesley Mayes forever and a day.