Remembering Co-founder Ted Platt

    On Sunday, September 27, Edward “Ted” Gould Platt, Jr., co-founder of Son Shine Ministries, passed on to be with the Lord at the age of 93.

    Ted’s passing marks a significant moment in the life of Son Shine Ministries. He was the last surviving member of the four people God brought together nearly 50 years ago to begin this ministry: Ted and Barbara Platt and Lew and Sandy Shaffer. Together, these four friends gave much of their lives to sharing the message of Jesus Christ and strengthening marriages and families.

    Long before Son Shine Ministries began, Ted had already lived a remarkable life of service. A graduate of Sewanee: The University of the South and Florida State University, he served for 23 years as an officer and pilot in the United States Air Force. His assignments included flying C-130 missions during the Vietnam War, teaching mathematics at the U.S. Air Force Academy, serving as a liaison officer with the Venezuelan Air Force, and holding leadership positions at Gunter Air Station in Montgomery, Alabama. He retired from the Air Force in 1978 as a lieutenant colonel.

    In 1977, while Ted and Lew were living in Montgomery, Alabama, the friendship between Ted and Barbara and Lew and Sandy became the foundation of Son Shine Ministries. The ministry eventually moved to Azle, Texas, in 1981.

    For nearly three decades, Ted and Barbara served alongside Lew and Sandy, devoting themselves to Son Shine Ministries and its mission. God used them to make a lasting difference in the lives of thousands of people as they served couples and families in churches and military chapels throughout the United States and around the world.

    Ted was a man of intelligence, discipline, faith, and service, with a deep commitment to Jesus Christ and a great love for his family. He and Barbara were married for nearly 66 years before her passing in January 2023. Their partnership in life and ministry was a beautiful expression of their shared faith and devotion to others.

    We are grateful that Ted lived to see Son Shine Ministries approach its 50th anniversary. Much of who we are today reflects the faithfulness of Ted, Barbara, Lew, and Sandy. Their commitment to following Jesus Christ and investing in people, marriages, and families continues to shape Son Shine Ministries today.

    Ted’s family will hold a Celebration of Life Service at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 23, at Frazer Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Son Shine Ministries also plans to hold a Celebration of Life Service for Ted in Azle, Texas, later this fall. Details will be shared when they are finalized.

    In lieu of flowers, Ted’s family has requested that memorial gifts be made to Son Shine Ministries. We are deeply honored by their generosity. Gifts given in Ted’s memory will continue the ministry to which he and Barbara gave so much of their lives.

    Gifts may be mailed to Son Shine Ministries, P.O. Box 456, Azle, Texas 76098.

    Or gifts may be given online: Give in Memory of Ted Platt

    We feel Ted’s absence deeply while also celebrating his long life and rejoicing that he is now at home with the Lord. “We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord” 2 Corinthians 5:8 (NIV).

Son Shine Ministries Co-founders: (L-R) Ted & Barbara Platt and Sandy & Lew Shaffer