Ted Emmit Mellencamp

April 7, 1953 - March 4, 2016

Ted Emmit Mellencamp, 62 of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away Friday, March 4, 2016, at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born April 7, 1953, in Seymour, Indiana, the son of Richard L. and the late Marilyn (Lowe) Mellencamp.

He married Debbie Ponder on September 6, 1975, in Seymour, Indiana, and she survives.

Ted graduated from Seymour High School in 1971. He worked for eight years as a journeyman electrician before joining his brother as Tour Manager. Later, he worked for Polygram Records as a Promotional Representative in Houston, Texas, and Nashville, Tennessee. He is credited with helping to build the careers of many multi-platinum recording artists including John Mellencamp, Jon Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Cinderella, Kiss, Tears for Fears, The Scorpions and Kool and the Gang to name a few.

Ted loved to bake, garden and spend time with his grandchildren, family and beloved wife of 41 years, Debbie. He was famous for his fudge.

He is survived by his father, his wife, his children, Eric Mellencamp and Casey (Amber) Mellencamp; five grandchildren, Lola, Jude, Wyatt, Maddox and Olivia Mellencamp; siblings, Joe (Lynn) Mellencamp, John Mellencamp, Janet (Todd) Kiel, and Laura (Mark) Hackman; his mother-in-law, Earnestine (Huey) Ponder McIntosh, sisters-in-law, Sandy Delmonte and Brenda Thompson; brothers-in-law, Johnny (Susie) Ponder, James Ponder, and Kenny Ponder; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, grandparents, Harry and Laura Mellencamp and Joe and Bessie Lowe; and his father-in-law, James Paul Ponder.

Funeral service will be at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at The Point, 311 Myers St., Seymour, Indiana. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery.

Friends and family may gather at Voss Chapel Tuesday from 3 to 8 pm and Wednesday at The Point after 11:00 am until time of service.

Memorial checks may be written to the Marilyn Mellencamp Scholarship for the Arts – The Community Foundation of Jackson County c/o Voss Funeral Service, 316 N. Chestnut St., Seymour, IN 47274.

Ted Emmit Mellencamp, 62 of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away Friday, March 4, 2016, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 7, 1953, in Seymour, Indiana, the son of Richard L. and the late Marilyn (Lowe) Mellencamp. He married Debbie Ponder on September 6, 1975, in Seymour, Indiana, and she survives. TedContinue Reading

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Was sory to learn of Ted's passing. In the 80's, I was a struggling writer/ performer from NJ, I used to call him up to get career advice, he made time for me and he always was positive and helpful . R.I.P Ted. Prayers for the family.

So sorry for your loss. .My thoughts and prayers are with you all. .....

may my thoughts and prayers be with you...

So sorry for your loss. So many fond memories of our youth together. He will be sorely missed. Blessings on your family in the days ahead.

So sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy to you all...Roxie

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

So sorry for your loss. He was a great neighbor and will truly be missed. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.

So sorry for the loss of Ted he will be missed. Prayers go out to the family.

Debbie, I will miss our cabana boy. Much love

Thinking about your family at this time of loss. God bless.

Good Bye old friend you will be missed by so many, No one can ever top your fudge!!!! Who's gonna tell me those great stories about my favorite rock bands ): Debbie I am keeping you and the family in my thoughts and prayers, be strong, I love you... Ted will always be remembered (:

We will miss your visits to our store. Always nice to chat with you and your beautiful wife. We will be thinking of you all in this sad time and pray for comfort. Kelli and Troy Toney

So sorry.

It's another goodbye to another good friend. Only met you once and you were very kind. Still hurts to see another road-dog go down

Debbie, so sorry for your loss. Prayers to your family. Gail Karnes Strutton

We are going to miss him so much. Love to Debbie, Eric and Casey and the rest of his large family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

No more suffering. I'm so thankful for Facebook and the chance to reconnect with an old friend. Seems that the older we get the more nostalgic we become. It was wonderful to see how Ted's life had blossomed, with the longevity of an obviously loving marriage, successful children and grandchildren that were his pride and joy. Although I spent more time in my youth with John, it was such a pleasure to be reacquainted with Ted. I will miss the ""remember when" online chats. My heart breaks with you ,his family and I pray for you to find comfort and peace. God bless each of you, Debbie, Eric, John and your entire family. Sincerely, Mary Carol ( Schepman) Hill

Thoughts and Prayers for those left behind.

I am so sorry, and lost for words, I pray for Richard, Debbie and the whole family to have peace where sometimes ,none seems to be found,, RIP TED,, you'll be missed by so many,, no more pain, no more suffering,, Petie Stewart

It's not right......it's just not right.

Ted thanks for all your work for the music industry. A fan of you and your brothers.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Go well road-warrior, you blazed through this space...leaving a marked footprint, that's made a deep impression on our minds.

I was Ted's roommate at Vincennes University our freshman year.Ted always had a smile on his face.RIP Ted.

My sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones! He will be greatly missed! Seymour has lost a great native!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.