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The beginnings...

Theo was born in Seminole, Oklahoma at home. He was the first and only child of Hazel (Powell) Boyd and Gordon Edward Boyd. His maternal grandparents (Goss Issom and Jessie D. Powell) were a molding influence in his life, especially when his parents divorced. Hazel completed her teaching degree and held many jobs to provide for "Teddy".

LR Clark and Theo's mother were married a year after Theo and Donna were married. It has seemed a bit strange to think of LR as Theo's step dad, but there has never been any doubt that he is a pillar of strength to our family. He is the grandfather Viki and Ted have known best and the great grandfather Josh and Jessica share their lives with. No matter how far we have lived, about twice a year he comes to visit us and is a gracious host when we go to his house.

Theo was called "Teddy" in his childhood. He was enthusiastic when it was tme to go to kindergarten. He loved being in their play. When the play was over, he did not see any reason to go back to kindergarten! Wherever there was a drama, in school, church, scouts, Theo was ready!

Theo established himself in speech arts at Muskogee Central. He was on the debate team and won awards in individual events also. His most notable poetry interpretations were Vachel Lindsay's "Congo" and Stephen Vincent Benet's "Mountain Laurel"
He played in "Solid Gold Cadillac" "Annie Get Your Gun" "Arsenic and Old Lace" "Born Yesterday" "Three Men on a Horse" "The Imaginary Invalid" "Catch Me If You Can" "Last of the Red Hot Lovers" "Our Town" "The Drunkard" "Rain" "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" "The Crucible" and others we may remember later. (LOL)

Theo was enchanted with magic from the first show he saw. He was thrilled to learn that there were books at the library which would teach him how to do magic. He was doing magic before he could read and practiced faithfully in front of mirrors and delighted in showing new tricks to his family and friends.
Stanley Poncelet and Theo held magic shows to benefit the Baby's Milk Fund. One of his jobs in highschool was assisting in a magic store.
Theo also loves clowning. While he has done many types of clowns, his own persona is "Globo" which means "balloon" in Spanish.

While teaching at LSU-E Theo was active in the Jaycees. He served as Louisiana State Jaycee Chaplain. He was sent to Guatemala as a goodwill ambassador. He led the Jaycee Hurricane Camille relief. When he decided to go and take what he could, Karl DeRouen put the announcement on the radio station and donations poured in.
Besides what Theo could pack in the car (and he is a good packer), 3 huge trucks took relief supplies. Donna, Viki, and Ted worked all one night with the Vista workers tying shoes together and garments that went together so they would not be separated.

Theo worked closely with Dr. Joan Hernandez to produce Moliere dramas in English and French. He wrote and directed the Diamond Jubilee Pageant for Eunice, Lousiana.

One of Theo's frustrations has been his inability to sing or play a musical instrument. His spoken voice is so compelling many people have urged him to take part in choirs and choral groups.

At Northeastern State, Carmita Hedges offered to give him singing lessons and stayed with him for several lessons but finally agreed that he could not carry a tune. Several others through the years have combined music with drama enhancing both. Larrene Hagaman and Alta (Minthorn) Stephens at Lancaster, CA. vocalized while Theo did the words to "Oh My People".

He worked with students at Hope Day School to produce "Sweet Singer of Israel" which was a tribute to David Hyrum Smith at Stone Church. James Stayton, who was principal, and Dr. Ken Cartwright were among the vocalists. Theo and Donna read the poetry.