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Henry Theodore "Ted" Salisbury, 80, of Prague, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026. He was born on October 22, 1945, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Charles Theodore Salisbury and Francis Virginia (Parris) Lisenberry.
Ted was raised in Nowata, Oklahoma, where he graduated from Nowata High School in 1963. On October 14, 1977, he married the love of his life, Carol Sue Brooks, beginning a partnership built on faith, hard work, and devotion to family that would span nearly five decades.
Ted dedicated many years of service to the John Lilley Correctional Center in Boley, Oklahoma, where he retired as a correctional officer. Retirement was simply another opportunity to work harder. Alongside Carol, he owned numerous rental properties in the Prague area while always finding time for side businesses and projects. Ted had a gift for seeing potential in things others overlooked, often repairing, restoring, and reselling items with pride. He believed there was always work to be done and never hesitated to roll up his sleeves.
Above all, Ted was a man of unwavering faith. His relationship with Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life. Each morning began with reading his Bible, and he faithfully attended Life Church in Shawnee. His faith was evident not only in his words but in the way he lived, always ready to help someone in need, lend a hand, or encourage a friend. He believed serving others was one of life's greatest callings.
Ted found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved fishing, searching for treasures at garage sales, taking photographs, watching just about any sporting event, and cruising with Carol. He was rarely without his signature glass of lemon water, and he adored his dogs, who were treasured members of the family.
Nothing brought Ted greater happiness than his family. He delighted in spoiling his children and grandchildren and was their biggest supporter, attending games, activities, and milestones whenever he could. His generosity, encouragement, and quiet strength created a legacy of love that will continue for generations.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Theodore Salisbury and Francis Virginia (Parris) Lisenberry, and by his beloved daughters, LaDonna Franklin and Keri Bridges.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Carol Sue Salisbury; his sons, Chuck Salisbury, Buddy Joe "BJ" Salisbury, and Edwin Jackson; his daughter, Lisa Webb; 11 cherished grandchildren; 8 beloved great-grandchildren; his sister, Jeanean Doherty; Helen Stone, the mother of Lisa and Chuck, and a host of extended family members and dear friends who will forever treasure his memory.
Ted will be remembered as a man of deep faith, unwavering integrity, tireless work ethic, and boundless generosity. His life was a testament to loving God, loving his family, and serving others. Though he will be deeply missed, those who knew and loved him find comfort in knowing he is now home with his Savior, hearing the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."