Theodore E. Metiva

Theodore E. Metiva, of Bridgeport, MI, passed away, at the age of 87, surrounded by his family, on December 23rd, 2024. He was the son of the late Thomas Elmer (Al) Metiva and Dorothy Vesterfelt Metiva. He was born on May 29, 1937, in Saginaw, MI. He was married to Janet L. Baugh Metiva on May 17, 1958. She survives him after 66 years of marriage.

Surviving are two sons: Lance Theodore Metiva (Sandy), of Hemlock, MI; and Randy Craig Metiva (Sheryl), of Birch Run, MI; four grandsons: Michael Guy Metiva and Kyle Joseph Metiva, both of Hemlock, MI; Gregory Taylor (Lauren) of Las Vegas, NV and Brian Taylor (Laura), of Bridgeport, MI; four great grandchildren; Garrett Taylor and Gavynn Taylor, both of Las Vegas, NV; Mikayla Taylor and Riley Mason, both of Bridgeport, MI; his in-law nieces and nephews; Ronald miller of Hanover, MI and Larry Miller of Jackson, MI; Michael Baugh (Judy) of Willisburg, KY: Mary Weaver of Jackson, Dennis Baugh (Debbie) of Hanover, MI; Steven Eickel (Renee) of Bay City, MI; Linda Stein (Rick) of Lake Orion, MI; Kim Shotwell (Joseph) of Bay City, MI; Brian Eickel of Metamora, MI; many grand nephews and nieces and great-grand nieces.

In addition to his parents, Ted was preceded in death by his in-laws: Guy and Lillie Baugh of Bay City, MI; Sister Geraldine Miller and Brother Gene Miller and nephew Howard Miller, all of Jackson, MI; Brother Harold and Sister Margaret Baugh, of Jackson, MI; Sister Marjorie and Brother Lennie Eickel and Sister Dorothy Eickel of Bay City, MI.

Ted began playing his cornet in 7th grade, and all through college. He attended Saginaw High School, Saginaw, MI, where he graduated in 1955. He entered Central Michigan University (then College) where he marched in the CMU Band. He received his Master’s Degree in Winter of 1963. 

He enjoyed working with his H.S. graduates on Class Reunions and getting together socially for lunch, once a month.

Ted was an educator. He taught at Ricker Junior High School and then became the Guidance Director at Buena Vista High School, Saginaw, MI. He delighted in his students and was very proud of how successful so many had become. Ted retired after 34 years, in 1993. He enjoyed running into and chatting with his former students, from time to time. 

Ted was a member of Bridgeport Community Church since 1963. He enjoyed singing in the Chancel Choir, ushering, serving on the Joint Board, currently as Vice-Moderator, and working on the Funeral Dinners before COVID. 

Ted was a member of United Commercial Travelers of America, since 1970. He served for many years on committees and offices from the local level, on up to the International level, earning his Honors at each level. He was a member of the Past International Presidents Association

Ted’s special hobby was antique cars, especially Model A Fords. He bought his first one to drive back and forth to high school, when he was 17. He owned others, but his love and energy went into his “show car,” a 1929 Pickup, a Grand National winner. Ted joined the Model A Club of America in 1956 and was a Charter Member of the local Script A Region. Ted also was a member of the Saginaw Valley Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America, since 1961. The club enjoyed many weekend trips up north and color tours. He enjoyed annual trips, with friends, to Hershey, PA, Charlotte, NC and Auburn, IN, to National Car Shows and Swap Meets, where he loved judging show cars.

Ted belonged to the Frankentrost German Band, playing his cornet for 55 years in parades, concerts, and festivals. He was also a member of the Saginaw Area Concert Band, for over 20 years, playing concerts in churches and assisted living facilities. He enjoyed gathering with his Breakfast Boys, catching up over a meal. 

Ted is now with his Lord Jesus Christ, God’s only Son. He is healed. Praise God!

Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025 at W.L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 5700 Dixie Hwy, Saginaw, MI 48601. They may also visit with the family from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Bridgeport Community Church, 3821 State St, Bridgeport, MI 48722, where a funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place in Forest Lawn Cemetery following the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider Bridgeport Community Church or The B.C.C. Garden of Remembrance. Please share your thoughts and memories of Ted with his family at the visitation and service or by visiting www.casefuneralhome.com.