Ted Allen Heydinger, known for his dry humor, love of public policy, and penchant for chocolate, passed away on February 1st in Austin, Texas at age 78.
Ted set high goals in work and in play. Whether hiking the Appalachian Trail, racing his beloved Porsche in “drivers training,” or celebrating his 45th birthday by riding his bike 500 miles from his hometown in Ohio to Washington, DC, he never lost sight of the possible. He was master of the art of listening for the compromise, teaching, and sharing information— always with a smile, a glass half full, and a heart filled with grace and faith.
Ted was known in Washington and Austin for his integrity, his intelligence, and his leadership in bringing people together to address challenges. His good humor and regard for others would assure full consideration and respect for divergent views, making him a sought after negotiator.
He managed several local and state campaigns before working for US Representative Clarence Brown. Ted led the Gerald R. Ford presidential North Carolina campaign before serving on the staff of US Representative Tom Kindness. While working for the US Chamber of Commerce, Ted met and lobbied his wife Charlene on Capitol Hill, eventually marrying her in 1985.
Ted became VP of Government Relations for the Information Technology Industry Council, the trade group for US computer manufacturers. He was heavily involved in extending the R&D tax credit, lowering the corporate tax rate, and many other legislative efforts.
Ted opened Dell Computer’s Washington Office, and in 1998 moved to Austin, where he helped create awareness of the contributions Texas’ technology companies were making to the state’s economy. After assisting the High Tech Advisory Committee for the George W. Bush 2000 presidential campaign, Ted started his own public relations firm. He represented companies before the Texas legislature, Congress, and the White House before retiring in 2013.
Ted was a devoted husband and father, whose children– Ted and Hannah– fondly remember his love of college sports and Hollywood musicals. He was an enthusiastic Scouting volunteer and a fan of their high school football and mountain biking teams.
Ted grew up in Bellefontaine, Ohio, where he made lifelong friends and attended Buckeye Boys State. Ted earned his BA and MA at Ohio’s Miami University, joining Theta Chi Fraternity and the Men’s Glee Club and attending the 1965 Midwest Young Republican College Federation Convention in Chicago in support of Barry Goldwater. While pursuing his masters, Ted served as a resident advisor at Miami University and a civics and history teacher at Bellefontaine Junior High School.
Ted never lost his zest for life, even as he battled memory loss for many years. The family is grateful to Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church’s Gathering, AGE of Central Texas, Chariot, the Neighborhood at Belmont Senior Living, Magnolia Hospice, and neighbors in Austin and in Bay View, Michigan for the love, kindness, and friendship extended to Ted throughout his journey. In lieu of flowers, his family asks for your support in time or treasure for these wonderful organizations.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents– Alfonse Mathias and Luella Pearl (Hostetler) Heydinger– and four siblings: Dr. David Heydinger, Rev. Dick Heydinger, Tom Heydinger, Esq., and Barbara McGarvey. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Charlene Vanlier Heydinger, children Ted Adam and Hannah Heydinger, and three grandchildren.
A service will be held at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m.
Interment at Highland Cemetery and a Celebration of Life at Honey Birch Farm will take place in West Liberty, Ohio on July 24, 2025.