It is with great sadness to announce that we have lost a cherished member of the Tool Testing Lab family this week. Ted was not only our owner, but someone we’ve relied on and respected for many years. His leadership, dedication, and steady presence shaped the foundation of TTL, and his absence will be deeply felt.
Ted W. Bowden, born on September 4, 1937, in Mansfield, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home in Vandalia, Ohio, on July 24, 2025. A dedicated professional and cherished family man, Ted leaves behind a rich legacy both in his career and the lives he touched.
Ted’s career spanned several significant roles in the aviation industry, where he worked for notable companies including Ohio Aviation, TWA, Beechcraft, Stevens Aviation, Scott Equipment, and Miami Valley Industrial Trucks. In 1988, fueled by his entrepreneurial spirit, Ted founded Tool Testing Lab, Inc., starting from his garage. Over the years, this venture flourished under his leadership, ultimately growing to employ 70 individuals. His commitment to excellence and innovation in the field made a lasting impact on his colleagues and the industry.
An alumnus of Butler High School, Ted was a lifelong learner and remained engaged with the community. He was proud to be a member of the Polk Grove United Church of Christ, where he found spiritual solace and fellowship. Ted’s passion for aviation extended beyond his professional life; he was a licensed pilot and held membership with organizations such as the Miami Valley CTC Advisory Board for Aviation and the National Pilots Aviation Association.
In his personal life, Ted was surrounded by a loving family. He is survived by his daughter, Angela Grillmeier and her husband Sam of Tipp City, as well as his grandchildren, Richard & Kyle Bowden and Nikolay Marion. He is also remembered fondly by his sisters, Debi and Cindy (and her husband John), and his sister-in-law, Polly Thomas (Jerry Folk) of Tipp City, along with many other relatives and friends.
Ted was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Patricia Bowden, who passed in 2020, and by his sons, Rex Bowden in 2021 and William Lee Bowden in 2025. Their memories are a testament to the deep bonds of love and commitment that characterized Ted’s life.
The family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate Ted’s life at a visitation on August 1, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, followed by a funeral service beginning at 1:00 PM at the Polk Grove United Church of Christ, located at 9190 Frederick Pike, Dayton, Ohio.
Ted will be dearly missed by all who knew him, and his contributions to both his profession and his community will not be forgotten.