Theodore James Mullins

Theodore James Mullins passed away on the morning of Thursday, June 5, 2025 under the compassionate care of CLC Hospice at the Des Moines Veterans Hospital, following a courageous battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Services will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will take place at Iowa Veterans Cemetery on Friday, June 20 at 2:00 p.m.

Born on October 3, 1947, to Herb and Phyllis Mullins, Theodore—known to many as "Ted"—graduated from Des Moines Technical High School in 1965. He initially pursued a degree in Avionics at Iowa State University, where he was a proud member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. With the onset of the Vietnam War, he answered the call to service, leaving Iowa State to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. He rose to the rank of Sergeant and was awarded the Sharpshooter Medal. Serving as a radar technician, Ted found a perfect match for his passion for aviation—both in repairing and flying aircraft.

After returning home from Vietnam, Ted completed his degree at Drake University, majoring in accounting. He went on to earn his CPA designation and joined his father's accounting firm, continuing a proud family legacy. He was a member of the American Legion, the Iowa Society of CPAs, and Veteran of Foreign Wars.

Ted and his beloved wife, Charlotte, cherished their winters in Apache Junction, Arizona, where they enjoyed dancing and spending time with a wide circle of friends. Each spring, they returned to their home in West Des Moines. Ted was known for his love of photography, mechanical tinkering, playing the accordion, and bowling.

He is survived by his wife, Charlotte; son, Michael Mullins (Michelle); grandsons, Lucas and Logan Mullins; sister, Julie Johnson (Doug); brother, Patrick Mullins; and nephew, Jason Johnson.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Phyllis Mullins; and grandparents, Theodore and Mamie Dick, and Clyde and Cornelia Mullins.

The Mullins family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and hospice team at the Des Moines Veterans Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the VFW, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or to the American Legion.

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