ForeverMissed
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It is with the deepest sorrow, that the family of Theodore Gladden, announce his passing. Our beloved son, brother, grandson, family member, husband and friend went unexpectedly home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 8th, 2022.

All those who knew Teddy, lost a shining light in their lives, and a smile that would brighten the darkest night.

Private First Class Theodore L. Gladden was born January 15th, 2003, in Fairfax, VA. In his younger years, Teddy was a talented artist, basketball point guard, football linebacker and a decorated wrestler in his teenage years. He loved boxing, playing video games, animals, making people laugh and spending time with his family. When Teddy wasn't playing sports, he kept himself busy around the house helping his father with electrical projects, car repairs, setting up multiple fish tanks and he loved cooking with his mother.

He graduated from Stafford Senior High School in 2019. Soon after graduating he achieved his lifelong dream and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He completed boot camp in September of 2021 and went on to graduate Infantry One Station Unit Training and served as a Rifleman and Grenadier while stationed at U.S. Army Fort Carson. He was an expert marksman and lovingly described as one of the most motivated individuals in his brigade, constantly lifting the spirits of those around him with his infectious and goofy smile. He was eager to learn and was passionate about serving his country.

Teddy is loved by his Mother, Amber Bowers and stepfather Rob Bowers; Father, Brandon Gladden and stepmom Marrissa Carta; Sisters Felisa Carta and Victoria Gladden; Brothers Ryne Gustafson, Tyler Gladden, Robert Bowers III and Wyatt Bowers; Grand Parents; Aunts; Uncles; family members; his Fort Carson Army family and many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by Vicki Brown his Nana and is loved here on earth as well as in heaven.

January 15
January 15
Today would have been your 21st birthday Teddy. We celebrated last night at Red Rocks, just like you talked about doing for years. We had a really good time talking about you and sharing memories. I miss you so much. Cheers buddy, I’ll see you soon ❤️
February 6, 2023
February 6, 2023
Words literally can’t explain how much I miss you and our talks. Will cherish the little moments and times we had forever and always. My Capricorn buddy<3
February 4, 2023
February 4, 2023
You will forever be loved and missed. My heart is shattered but my memories are still alive and strong. I will talk to you and about you every day. I wish I could have been there to tell you everything will be ok and that you are loved! Love you bud forever!
January 30, 2023
January 30, 2023
Till I can hug your neck love you Teddy, Love your Uncle
January 26, 2023
January 26, 2023
I have loved Teddy since the day he was born. It was really cool becoming an aunt at the age of 5 and it was one of the greatest gifts. I hold onto our memories and the thought of us meeting again one day. I’ll miss you forever and ever Teddy - Mandy Bones
January 26, 2023
January 26, 2023
Teddy will always be loved and forever missed - Your Nina and Papa Neal

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Recent Tributes
January 15
January 15
Today would have been your 21st birthday Teddy. We celebrated last night at Red Rocks, just like you talked about doing for years. We had a really good time talking about you and sharing memories. I miss you so much. Cheers buddy, I’ll see you soon ❤️
February 6, 2023
February 6, 2023
Words literally can’t explain how much I miss you and our talks. Will cherish the little moments and times we had forever and always. My Capricorn buddy<3
His Life

Teddys Toddler years

January 27, 2023
Teddy was the cutest and most handsome little guy. His big brown eyes and mischievous smile were so endearing. He was always very playful, loved to watch cartoons and always ate a good meal. This is the time he would come to love Batman, rough house around the living room and have an eagerness to play outside in the dirt. He was introduced to his first sibling by marriage at the age of 1. Lisa was 2 and Teddy was 1 when they met and bonded right away. Within the next year he had 2 little brothers born within 2 months of each other, Ryne and Tyler. The love he shared with his siblings was instant and deep. It was always an adventure during these years, it was usually Teddy and Lisa running around and Tyler and Ryne just trying to keep up with him. Having had a blended family he spent a lot of time with both sides. This would include cousins and aunts that were a little older. His Aunt Amanda is only 5 years older and is more like a sister to him. His cousin Samiah who is 2 years older than him. So much love from Amanda, Lisa and Samiah is a big part of Teddys huge heart that he had. He was surrounded with love from his mom, bonus mom and father, on top of that grand parents that were very involved in raising and taking care of Teddy. We couldn't get enough of that sweet, innocent, precious little human!
Recent stories

Scary Basement

January 30, 2023
When Teddy was a little older and Ryne was a few years behind him, I used to set things up for them like we would play “Amusement park” outside in the front yard. Rollercoaster would be sitting on a skateboard rolling down the driveway towards the garage. The grass area was for little activities like obstacle courses and made up carnival games. They loved it. But I think our favorite and most fond memory is making the basement into a mini haunted house. I would set it up for Teddy and Ryne to go through by themselves. I’d put yogurt all on the railing so it felt slimy (sorry mom and dad) and make sure all the lights were out except for some strobe lights to make it spooky. I’d put bowls set up with nasty things to feel and make them think it was eyeballs or brains. And then the best part was I’d be waiting at the end to jump out and scare them. They loved it. Except Ryne was really scared after that, so when I went to set up movie theater downstairs one time for a scary movie and ran upstairs to make popcorn, Teddy apparently followed me and left Ryne alone and he got scared and ran up after us. You can ask Ryne, the kid was SCARED! But it was all fun and they always asked to do these things whenever we could. I’ll remember things like this forever. Writing out here for everyone will help too 
January 26, 2023
I think about you every single day. I’m so sorry we weren’t able to see each other when I was out there in November even though I tried so hard. I’ll never stop fighting for you my teddy 

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