Teodosio Adolfo Gutierrez

Teodosio “Ted” Gutierrez, 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Cypress, Texas, on October 14, 2026. He was born on September 5, 1940, in Laredo, Texas, to Alicia Puig and Adolfo Gutierrez.

Ted graduated from Martin High School in 1959 and joined the Army shortly afterward. He was stationed at Wildflecken Army base in Germany, where he met Heidi, the mother of his daughters Belinda and Michelle. He served for four years in Germany and left the Army with the rank of captain.

On November 24, 1978, Ted married Carolyn Sue Sparks. Together, they welcomed two sons, Teddy and Tommy, and were partners in life and in business for almost 43 years.

Ted was a natural entrepreneur. Alongside Carolyn, he led Texas Beauty Distributors, building a company with more than 75 employees across the state and helping pioneer the growth of the beauty salon market in Texas during the 1980s and ’90s. A gifted orator and born salesman, Ted could talk to anyone, and his friendly nature made everyone he met feel like an old friend. After retiring at 53, he traded the office for the pasture, managing and operating Diamond G Ranches in Madisonville, Texas, for more than three decades. There, he put his skills to work as a welder, cattle rancher and bulldozer operator, while becoming a friend to all of Madisonville.

Above all, Ted was a fisherman. An exceptional angler, he fished from Florida to Mexico, but Galveston held a special place in his heart. He owned many boats over the years, from Ranger bass boats and flat-bottom boats to a 52-foot Hatteras. His favorite, and last, was The Marlin Teaser II, a four-engine, 42-foot Bertram deep-sea fishing boat, aboard which he won many tournaments. His love of fishing extended beyond saltwater; bass fishing was one of his favorite pastimes. Wherever there was a lake, you could find Ted with a fishing pole in hand, either in a boat or along the shore. He was a gifted teacher, sharing his knowledge of bass fishing with anyone willing to be patient and learn.

Ted instilled a strong work ethic in those around him, a gift whose value often became clear only with time. His children and grandchildren carry those lessons with them today.

On his 86th birthday, Ted learned he had stage four pancreatic cancer. He met the news with remarkable calm and grace. He wanted to be remembered as he had lived: fun, hardworking, dedicated, and always ready to talk. Surrounded by family, he remained at peace during his final weeks. His last outing was a return to the ranch for one final tour of the land he loved and the ranch he had built.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Alicia and Adolfo Gutierrez; his brother, Buddy; and his beloved wife, Carolyn. He leaves to cherish his memory his sister, Alice Petry; his daughters, Belinda Gonzales (Roland), Michelle Bynum (Jeff) and Sonia Alexander; his two sons, Ted Gutierrez (Cherise) and Tom Gutierrez; his seven grandchildren, Blake Bynum (Kristin), Austin Bynum (Emily), Madison Pillitere (Casey), Julian Gonzales (Abby), Lauren Gonzales, Teddy Gutierrez and Isabella Gutierrez; and his two great-grandchildren, Faith Bynum and Matthew Pillitere. He was also blessed with many nieces and nephews, as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

He will be deeply missed by his family, his friends and all who had the pleasure of meeting him, even just once. Until we see you again… we love you, Ted, Dad, Pops, Big Ted and Grandpa Pancho.