William Todd

Although there were so many things to admire about William Todd, there was nothing of greater importance than his unwavering faith and personal relationship with the Lord he served. With the love of his life by his side for 60 years, he raised the three children whom he equipped to be the adults of great character he was so very proud of. A man who knew what it meant to work hard, Bill wholeheartedly gave everything his best whether the task was great or small. With a life that spanned nearly a century, he made a significant impact on the hearts and lives of so many people within his reach.

The year 1917 is often recalled as the year our nation engaged in the fight for freedom during the hostilities of WWI overseas. Despite President Woodrow Wilson’s declaration that, “America was too proud to fight,” repeated hostile acts in the waters of the Atlantic by German forces left President Wilson with no choice but to declare war on April 6th. Despite the unrest around them, a young couple was pleased to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy on June 18th of that same year. Baby William Maxwell was welcomed as one of eight children born into the family of Andrew and Jessie (French) Todd. His family regularly attended church, and it was during his formative years that Bill was imprinted with the faith that guided him throughout his entire life. He was raised in a small country town where his parents worked as ranchers. Bill attended local schools through the eighth grade. As a young man he was in the Civil Service where he was in charge of driving officers to their destinations.

Life was forever changed for Bill when he met the woman with whom he would share the best years of his life. Her name was Edna and they both attended a Nazarene church in Mountain Home, Arkansas. They met when Edna came to church with a friend one morning, although Bill was the one who took her home after church that day. The next Sunday morning it was Bill who picked Edna up for church, and from there a dating relationship ensued. After falling deeply in love, the couple was married on June 28, 1951.

Together Bill and Edna were blessed with three children: Sharon, Dennis, and Brenda. He was a great father who was actively involved in the lives of his children. Bill regularly took his children fishing, on fun-filled family vacations, and he was the one who often helped his children get ready for school. He also helped them with their chores around the house. Although his children always had pets, Bill loved to tease them about how much he hated animals. He often joked around with his children about their pets, or their “pests” as Bill loved to call them. Through the example he set each day he taught his children to be good husbands, wives, and parents.

Although his family was always Bill’s main focus, there were other aspects of his life that were also of great importance. His faith was his constant companion, and his church home was a vital part of his life as well. Bill was an active part of his church as he served as the head usher and a Sunday school teacher in addition to other roles as well. Through the years Bill worked hard to support his family as a farmer and although he retired when he was 76, he continued to help out on the farm. He had a favorite saying about his work that will echo in the minds of his friends and family, “I’m retired, I’m semi-retired, and I’m still tired!” In his free time Bill enjoyed making quilts with his wife, and he also was fond of woodworking. Another of his favorite sayings was, “There are two kinds of pie: hot or cold.”

William Todd will be remembered as a man of faith, a devoted family man, and someone who easily thought of others ahead of himself. He worked hard throughout his life, yet he took time to embrace each moment, too, making beautiful memories with his loved ones along the way. A gift in the lives of those around him, Bill will be deeply missed.

William Maxwell Todd died on November 10th, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. Bill’s family includes his wife, Edna; sister, Violet Byers; children, Sharon (Jan) Remeur, Dennis (Jenny) Todd, Brenda (Shelly) Marquard; 7 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. Visit with Bill’s family and friends on November 13th 2011 from 4-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on November 14th, 2011 at 11 a.m. both held at the Otsego Church of God. Donations in his name can be made to the Otsego Church of God or Warner Memorial Camp. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook.