Edward "Ted" Hooker Colton, 90, died peacefully among loved ones in hospice care at The Saybrook at Haddam on Thursday, November 10. Ted was the loving husband of Merna Sibley Colton, whom he married on September 14, 1949. Son of the late George William and Ruah Hollister (Fenn) Colton, Ted was born on August 13, 1926 in New Haven, CT. Ted grew up with his parents and brothers in Woodbridge, CT for much of his early years. After attending Hillhouse High School, his family moved to Newport, RI during WWII where he graduated from Rogers High School. Ted served with the Navy from 1944 to 1946, and was in the ROTC for four years during college. He then received his degree in industrial administration from Yale University in 1950. He worked as a senior energy consultant with Connecticut Light and Power for 30 years. Ted and Merna made their home on the shoreline in Old Saybrook, CT in 1959, where they raised their two children. They joined the First Baptist Church of Essex in 1961. Ted was an active member of his town and church communities, serving on many boards and committees in his local church and for the American Baptist Churches of Connecticut. He was on the Economic Development Commission in Old Saybrook and was on the board of the Valley Shore YMCA, helping to fundraise for the YMCA building. In his retirement he volunteered at the local police department, FISH, and Old Saybrook Junior High School. Ted enjoyed coaching and watching sports, singing in the church choir, and going out for coffee. He was predeceased by his wife, Merna; two brothers, George "Bill" Willis Colton and Hollister "Buster" Fenn Colton; and his infant great-grandson, Charles "Charlie" Colton Finefrock. He is survived by son, Mark Colton and his wife Ann Colton; daughter, Laurie Colton Ladr; four grandchildren, Emily Colton, Nathan Colton, Karen Ladr-Finefrock (husband, Kevin Finefrock) and Andrea Ladr; and many nieces and nephews. He will be remembered by his family as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His family sends many thanks to the staff of The Saybrook at Haddam, his caregivers from Home Instead, and the hospice staff of VITAS. Calling hours will be held from 2 to 5 PM on Sunday November 13, 2016 at Swan Funeral Home 1224 Boston Post Rd. Old Saybrook, CT 06475. To sign the online guestbook go to www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com . A memorial service will take place at 11 AM on Saturday, December 10 at the First Baptist Church in Essex, CT. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Essex.