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Frank “Tim” Sladen Wardwell, 67, of Deland, Florida, passed away on May 26, 2024 due to
heart failure.
Tim was born on November 29, 1956 to John and Inin Wardwell in Midland, Michigan. Tim
lived with an intellectual disability and as a child he attended school at Heartspring (formerly the
Institute of Logopedics) in Wichita, Kansas. As a teenager, he moved to Duvall Homes in
Deland, Florida. Tim was a beloved resident in the Duvall community, where he thrived and
brought a lot of joy to his caregivers and friends. His memory will live on at Duvall with the
Wardwell Cottage named in his honor.
As a young adult, Tim enjoyed competing in the Special Olympics, using his height to his
advantage in basketball and swimming. He was also an avid sports fan. His favorite team was the
Denver Broncos, and he also had an amazing memory for all the NFL teams and stats. Tim wrote
letters almost every day to his family, each one featuring a round up of his picks of the latest
football scores.
Tim enjoyed nothing more than spending time with family during regular summer and Christmas
trips to Michigan. He cherished his time at Higgins Lake, grinning from ear to ear when he had
the chance to drive the boat. He also loved giving handcrafted Christmas gifts, holiday meals,
and coordinating the family’s football bowl picks.
While residing in Florida, Tim held a part time job in quality control at a local wood shop,
enjoyed volunteering in the community, and social activities at Duvall Homes.
Tim was predeceased by his parents, John H. and Inin Wardwell, brother-in-law Mark Semeyn,
sister-in-law Cathie Wardwell, and nieces Abigail Fox and Libby Wardwell. He is survived by
siblings Caroline Semeyn, H. Fletcher Wardwell, John G. (Abigail) Wardwell, nephews/nieces
Mark (Lyn) Semeyn Jr (guardian), Matthew (Jennifer) Semeyn, Steve Fox, Erica Jacobson,
Emily (Josh) Helton, Allison Miskimen, Holland (Matthew) Lorang, great nephews/nieces Max
(Cassidy), Mitchel and Michael Semeyn, Mackenna and Alexa Semeyn, Olivia Fox, Micah,
Wyatt and Kai Jacobson, Fletcher Helton, Brannon Wardwell, Keely and Kai Labarbara, Lane
and Miles Lorang.
A small family memorial service will be held at Higgins Lake on June 23. In lieu of flowers, the
family requests donations be made to the Special Olympics.
