Theo Ditton Obituary

Luckey was [apparently] a terrific physics teacher... but it didn''t stop there. He taught me to play the guitar as a 12 year-old with the legendary Lizard River Crab Company. He was a big brother to me and his special influence influence on me - as a musician, mentor, and friend - will last a lifetime.

The loss of Luckey leaves a big loss in our family chain. He was my little brother as well as a cousin. My debater as well as confidante. We so enjoyed our long although infrequent talks. Luckey's stroke made long talks diffucult but when he felt strong enough he would call me. I will so miss those calls. I know he is now with his beloved grandparents and mother he so cherished. Save a place for me. RIP my dear loved one.

Mr. Dinton was an amazing teacher and person. I will never forget his lesson on entropy: he had a giant coffee mug on his desk for a couple weeks that we students considered putting a goldfish in. To give us an understanding of entropy, he picked up the mug and shattered it on the floor. Hen then talked about how the mug will never have as much order. I also remember early morning AP classes. He would show up with his hair still wet, his curls neat. But then he would brush his hair out, acheiving the hairdo that we all remember. Luckey thank you for your inspiration, your passion, and your great ability to teach some rather difficult subjects.

A true gem of PHS and one of the pillars that made the school exceptional. I bought a car from him my senior year- his green VW Rabbit. I was so proud!

Mr. Ditton was my teacher at North and at Palmer. He is the reason I studied physics and eventually became a teacher. I will always be thankful for the things I learned from him.

Thank you Mr. Ditton for the life lessons as well as academic lessons you taught. You left you mark on the world as a teacher. Truly an inspiration.

Rest in peace

A brilliant man with a great sense of humor. I will always remember his PHS physics class. My families prayers & thoughts are with his family during this time of loss.

Finding the words to express the depth of my love for Luckey proves difficult. The words that do come are from that secret vocabulary of our 16 year-old selves, with meanings and import known only to us. Words such as "corvair", "verily", "winkle-picker", "arroyo", and even "cow" were small hooks on which we hung our vast friendship.

We were as brothers from the day we first met. He is the best friend I ever had.

Mr. Ditton was one of my favorite teachers. I always struggled with science but the way he taught, it became understandable and always fun. I will remember his smile and sense of humor - he was a teacher that was truly passionate about science and kids. My condolences to his family, friends and all the kids lives he touched over the years. Palmer High, Class of 1992.

My first class at the collegiate level was physics, and I was more prepared for it than I thought possible. I'm an engineer now, and it is not exaggerating to say that probably wouldn't have happened without the year of Physics I had at Palmer with Mr. Ditton. For the first time, I had a science teacher who had a passion for his subject, and a passion to teach it, that helped lay the foundation for my entire life. I learned the subject in his class, but, more importantly, I learned to love science. I'll be forever grateful.

Mr. Ditton was my favorite high school teacher. He also wrote a collegiate recommendation letter for me that is, quite possibly, the kindest arrangement of words anyone has ever said about me. He was a legend and will be missed.

Luckey was a sweet friend and my very own personal "Dr. Science". I loved his explanations of all things, and his deep knowledge of all things. He was the smartest person I have ever known with the wickedest sense of humor to go right along with that intelligence. I'll be saving up my questions for Luckey in eternity.

Mr. Ditton always used brightly colored chalk. Never white chalk. His calculations stood out on the board in vivid blues, greens, pinks, and yellows. I remember being in awe of him and entertained by him. Although Chemistry never became a strong suit of mine, I vividly remember the time I had Mr. Ditton at Palmer from 93-95.

Mr. Ditton singularly shaped my passion for the sciences. Somehow, that complex world always became so much brighter in a cave of a classroom in the basement of an old school. I truly am honored to have had the experience of learning from him.

I had Mr. Ditton as a teacher at both North and Palmer. He did one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me. While his good deed will forever remain between the two of us, it is important for his family to know that his impact on the lives of his many students was immense and lasting. He will forever occupy a warm place in my heart.

Mr. Ditton was my home room & science teacher in 8th grade. A very joyful person. My deepest sympathy & condolences. May his soul rest in peace.

Theo gave me my first taste for learning back in 1983 at PHS. I had Physics, was a misfit but Theo understood misfits and challenged me to go beyond my own vision for myself. Theo saw what others didn't, he lived that way. After graduation, we played pool together and had a beer discussed life. You will be missed!

Lucky was one of the best teachers and best friends i had at Palmer. He showed me what it was to educate and care about kids. He was truly a great man!

Mr. Ditton was my Physics teacher at Palmer High School in 1985 and one of my favorite teachers. While he will be greatly missed by his family and friends, the knowledge, humor, and joy he gave to his students will live on forever. May he rest in peace, and may your family find solace in this difficult time.

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

God grant you peace.