Charles W. Todd's Obituary
Charles W. Todd, Jr., 94 years, of Columbia, IL, passed away Friday, April 8, 2011. He was born in St. Louis, MO, the son of the late Charles and Theresa (Ebel) Todd.
Charles Todd founded the Church of the Brethren which was located in East Carondelet, IL, where he ministered to the poor. He taught at Brooks Bible Institute in St. Louis, MO and helped found and taught at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Charles assumed leadership of the family laundry business in the 1940's. He expanded it into Todd Uniform Company which grew into an international corporation employing 2,800 people. His Christian principles were central to the operation of his company. This is best signified by his motto for the treatment of his employees and customers: Imago Dei - "In the Image of God". He never doubted for a moment that he was truly "ordained to the ministry of the marketplace".
Charles was on the Board of Governers of Opportunity International which provides a working solution to global poverty. He was an originator of the St. Louis Mayor's Prayer Breakfast. Charles was the benefactor, founder, and designer of Toddhall Retreat and Conference Center, which is also a wildlife sanctuary. He was a member of Columbia Historical Society, Inc., and the Heritage and Preservation Commission of Columbia, IL. He contributed funds for the restoration of: Warderman Cemetery, Sand Bank School, Schumaker Schoolhouse (now designated as the Columbia Visitor's Center), and Miller-Fiege Home.
Charles' other interests included: constructing and displaying a huge collection of trains. He was a member of the Model Railroad Association for many years. The Todd Company helicopter, which he piloted, was the first to be used by a corporate CEO in the St. Louis area. It was his main source of transportation between his home and plants, as well as a source of adventure. An avocation was working with his hands, especially in the area of building in stone. The culmination of this was the construction of an outdoor labyrinth at Toddhall. He was an accomplished violinist and also played the piano and organ. Charles loved travel and was an avid photographer. He was proclaimed an honorary citizen of Columbia, IL in September of 2009. Columbia Mayor Kevin Hutchinson declared September 28, 2009 to be "Charles Todd Day".The family would like to especially thank Ruth Ann Rodemich, Cathy Brandt, Paula and Pat Berning for their loving and compassionate care.
Memorial ServicesWednesday, April 13, 2011, 2:00 PMSt. George's Episcopal ChurchHigh and D StreetBelleville, ILFr. Dale Coleman, officiatingA reception will follow services at the church
Memorial ContributionsIn lieu of other types of gifts, memorial contributions are preferred to: Toddhall Retreat and Conference Center, 308 Todd Center Drive, Columbia, IL 62236, or Hospice of Southern Illinois 305 So. Illinois St. Belleville, Il 62220, or the Alzheimer's Association of St. Louis 9370 Olive Street Rd. St. Louis, MO 63132.
SurvivorsWife: Shirley Mize ToddChildren: Judith Ann (Bruce) Main, Charles Walter (Margo) Todd, Bruce Edward (Kelli) Todd, and Nancy Jean (Bill) Rogers 13 Grandchildren and 16 Great Grandchildren Step-Sons: Robbie (Stacie) Mize, and John (Rebecca) Mize 5 Step-Grandchildren and 3 Step-Great Grandchildren Sisters, Edna Baird, Eunice McGovern, Lillian Juenger, and Margaret Price Many loving nieces and nephews Other relatives and friends
Also Preceded In Death ByFirst Wife, Virginia H. (Koehler) Todd (deceased November 29, 2000)Brothers, David and Paul ToddSister, Ruth
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