Edward Theobald

With great sadness, the family of Edward Charles Theobald announces his death on November 9, 2012. Ed was born May 26, 1932 to Mary Adams Theobald (Selby) and Edward Carlson Theobald in Vincennes, Indiana. A life-long resident of Vincennes, Ed was an active civic leader. He graduated from Lincoln High School and received his B. S. in Accounting and J.D. from Indiana University. He was a member of Phi Kappa Psi. He was Vice President and Trust Officer with Security Bank and Trust Co. before attending law school. Ed entered public service as Knox County Prosecutor and was Superior Court Judge for more than 20 years. His passion and focus was helping youth. He founded Children and Family Services, Inc., established the Southwest Indiana Regional Youth Village and was very active in the Indiana Judicial Conference serving many years on the Juvenile Justice Improvement Committee and on the Indiana Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. He brought the national Court Appointed Special Advocate Program to Indiana and was President and Director of the Knox County Youth Development Commission. He organized a sobering mock accident to encourage high school youth to be safe on Prom Night, which reenactment is repeated annually. He was thrilled to be an advisor to PAWS. Ed's dedication to the improvement of his community was not limited to the youth. He was President and Trustee of the Knox County Library Board and Secretary and Director of the Knox County Association of Retarded Citizens. Ed served on the Knox County Community Corrections Advisory Board and on several other committees, commissions and boards, including several community services committees with Vincennes University. Ed was a dedicated member of Rotary and served as its President, and was also active in the Vincennes Elks Club serving as its Exalted Ruler. State-wide and nationally, he served on the Comprehensive Community Plan Group of the Governor's Commission of a Drug-Free Indiana, the Indiana Juvenile Justice State Advisory Group, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges and was active in the Indiana Judges Association, Indiana Lawyers Commission, Indiana Criminal Law Study Commission, Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Association and other state and national study and advisory groups. Ed did not seek recognition for his accomplishments, yet he received many awards and accolades, including the USDA Group Award for Excellence, Epsilon Sigma Phi's Regional Distinguished Team Award, National Association of Social Workers, Indiana Chapter, Region 13 Citizen of the Year, Warren W. Martin Award for Innovative Programs in Treating Adult Offenders and Delinquent Youths presented to his Court and staff by the Indiana Correctional Association, Area Association of Social Workers Citizen of the Year and ABWA Boss of the Year. Ed often gave credit to those around him and the family would like to thank all those who shared his passions. Ed's respite was enjoying time with his family, and he relished their time at the Wisconsin family cottage and their winters in Florida. Ed enjoyed golfing with friends and family, and was an avid bird watcher. Ed was a devoted husband and father and was adored by his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Helen (Pielemeier) Theobald, brother Thomas (Mary) Theobald, sons Edward (Elizabeth) Theobald III and Thomas Theobald, daughters Elizabeth (Tom) Young-Ford and Amy (Sean) Burke, and grandchildren Will, Pat and Emily Young, Ed, Nina and Jack Theobald and Annie and Olivia Theobald. Ed's daughter, Anne Theobald predeceased him. Memorial contributions may be made to the Edward Carlson Theobald Fund at the Indiana Military Museum as a way for Ed to honor the memory of his father who died in World War II, or to one's charity of choice. Ed's family would like to thank all those who showed so many kindnesses during his lifetime. A celebration of life service will take place at noon on Wednesday November 14, 2012 at First United Methodist Church, Fourth and Perry Streets, with the Rev. Paul Wagner officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 9 am until noon at the church. Goodwin Funeral Home 524 Broadway, Vincennes, IN is handling arrangements. On line condolences may be sent at www.goodwinfamilyfh.com.