Theodore Wilson Obituary

When I arrived in Summer 1988 as an exchange student from Amsterdam, Ted was one of the first people I met in an incredibly welcoming and supportive KU History Department. During my two years at KU, he remained a supportive and, as so many others here have testified, kind mentor. I loved running into him later, at SHAFR conferences, reliving those good KU days in our conversations. I'm sad this will no longer happen, but will cherish my memories of a fine scholar and kind mentor.

Thanks to Professor Ted Wilson for his steadfast, welcoming support to generations of officer-scholars and the Command and General Staff College, culminating with his distinguished teaching to the Art of War Scholars.

Ted Wilson was an incredible scholar, educator, mentor, and friend. He was my dissertation advisor, and I could not have had anyone more experienced, supportive, and helpful. He was always there for you, as a student and afterwards. I recall inviting him to Western Illinois University to give a lecture on WWII when I was teaching there. My Dean looked at Ted's c.v. and told the assembled gathering that Ted was exactly what a professor should be and how fortunate I was to have had him as my advisor. Words cannot express the sorrow I feel over his passing but there is no doubt in my mind that he is with Judy now. Rock Chalk, Jayhawk, KU!, Ted.

I am just one of thousands of students who loved his classes--the books he assigned are still in my library---he was a great instructor---thank you Mr. Wilson. May God bless the family and friends with comfort and peace.

Ted was a mentor, role model, and friend. He had a huge impact on me and other colleagues, as well as on generations of students. His legacy lives on through his investment in others, his scholarship, and his prodigious editorial work. My heart goes out to Judy and the family.

Ted was such a character and always had a wonderful story to tell, and they usually had some fine wisdom embedded in them. He encouraged me to get my PhD, and was always eager to hear how it was coming along. He will be missed by so many.

A mentor and role model. He was kind, helpful, and genuinely concerned for his students. I owe him for making me the historian I've become...rest in peace. You will be missed.

Ted Wilson was a mensch. He was my senior colleague at the University of Kansas for many years, and he was unfailingly supportive, kind, and incisive. That's why he was such a fine editor of the University Press of Kansas' military history series. I enjoyed many fine meals and glasses of his favorite French wine at Ted and Judy's table. Thinking of all the Wilsons today.

Professor Wilson was my advisor at KU and guided me through my Ph.D. Besides his incredible breadth of knowledge as a military and international relations historian, he was one of the most generous professors I have had the privilege to know. Dr. Wilson was generous with his time, with his insight and knowledge, and his patience with some of us thick headed graduate students. Even after he retired from KU he was always happy to read a paper and provide his words of wisdom. He will be very much missed. God Bless.
Ben Post

Ted and I were colleagues in the History Department at KU since 2003. In addition, we shared the same graduate alma mater, Indiana University. Ted's leadership was instrumental in building the strong program in military history at KU, and developing a close working relationship with the educational institutions at Fort Leavenworth. Ted was a devoted advisor to his students--and there were very many of them!--and a responsible departmental leader who stepped up whenever there was a need. In addition, I saw a bit of Ted's roles at the Unitarian Fellowship of Lawrence, when I arranged to invite me as a speaker on several occasions. His concern for social justice and engaged citizenship shone through there. His memory will continue to be an inspiration.

Ted Wilson was a colleague of mine for many years; he and his wife stayed with Katherine and myself in England. He made a remarkable contribution, both to his subject and to the Department. May his memory be honoured in both circles!
Jonathan Clark

Professor Ted Wilson was a great scholar, teacher, and mentor. His many contributions to our country, to the University of Kansas, and to the many students he taught will last for generations. I was proud to know and work with Ted. He had enormous influence on my career, and I am grateful. He was a great friend and will be missed. Safe Journey Ted, Adrian