Teodoro Arévalo was born in Laredo, Texas, where he attended Saint Joseph's Academy and graduated from Laredo Martin High School. He moved to San Antonio to attend St. Mary's University, but his plans were sidetracked when he was called to serve his country. The Army drafted him and sent him to Korea where he served two years. He returned to San Antonio and continued his education at St. Mary's University, earning his Bachelor's degree and a Law degree. Ready to start his new life as an attorney, Ted also asked Delia Duron to be his partner and love of his life. They married on April 23, 1960 and they had their first child, Philip, the following year. During that time, Ted began a private law practice but was recruited as a prosecutor by District Attorney Jim Barlow and earned a reputation for his work ethic and success in serving justice. As a result, Ted moved up the ranks as Chief Prosecutor and Assistant DA under district attorneys Ted Butler and Bill White.

But Ted's passion to serve his country never wavered. After serving as an enlisted man during the Korean War, he rejoined the Army Reserve as a JAG Officer. Ted resumed his love for knowledge and graduated from the U.S. Army War College in Virginia. He was then assigned to serve on military bases throughout the US where he taught Military Law. His last four years in the Army Reserve were spent assigned to Port Buchanan in Puerto Rico where he prepared for promotion, but decided to return to civilian life: Ted retired as a Full Colonel, or "Full Bird," as he would say.

Devoted to his Catholic faith, Ted and his wife Dee had five children: all attended Catholic schools from elementary school through college. His children are the products of Mount Sacred Heart, Blessed Sacrament, Central Catholic, Ursuline Academy, St. Mary's University and the University of Incarnate Word. Ted was THE Volunteer, THE Leader, THE first one in and THE last one out in service. He served as PTO President at more than one school at a time, organizing festivals, events and various fundraisers. Ted was one of the original Eucharistic Ministers of Blessed Sacrament Church. Also very active in the Knights of Columbus, he was a part of Council 7016 since the mid-1990s. He was Advocate for many years and joined 4th Degree in 1999; he also held the position of Faithful Navigator, the equivalent of Grand Knight at Council Level. Ted was also a Scout Master in the Pack 445 Scout Program at Blessed Sacrament Parish, also taking on the role model of Akela, a symbol of wisdom, authority and leadership—preparing young men for responsible adulthood.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents Felipe and Enriqueta Arévalo. He is survived by his wife Delia "Dee" of 63 years and his children: Philip and wife, Suzanne; Dr. Theodore V. Arévalo; twins Sandra Arévalo and Susie and her devoted husband Rob Getz; youngest son Christopher; and grandchildren: Philip, Nathan, Rachel, and Ben and Charlie Johnson; and Ted's sister Maria "Chacha" Arévalo.

Funeral Services

September 8, 2023

Service Location: Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

600 Oblate Dr.

Visitation will begin at the church at 10:30am

Recitation of the Rosary at 11:30am

Funeral Mass to be offered at 12:00pm

Burial will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 1:45pm with military honors.

Reception at Blessed Sacrament Church Hall, 2:30pm

(Barbeque by Knights of Columbus)