DONALD GRIMES TODD, 97, of Tulsa, Oklahoma was born June 25, 1921 to Bessie Mae Holmes and Amos Virgil Todd. Don left us peacefully on March 4, 2019.
As a surprise, Don's father took him to the grand opening of the Original Coney Island in downtown Tulsa, on January 8, 1926. Don became a life-long patron regularly inviting family, friends and business associates to join him for Coneys. Because of his affinity for Coneys he was celebrated on his 95th birthday at this locale, with 100 family and friends. The Tulsa World covered the event and published the story in the July 4, 2016 edition. Don said it was one of the highlights of his life.
He was a graduate of Central High School, always referring to his classmates as "The Kids" of the "Colossal Class of 1939." Donald was an enthusiastic planner and participant in every class reunion - he even arranged a Coney luncheon at one of the gatherings.
Don attended Oklahoma A&M (OSU) where he pledged Kappa Sigma Fraternity. A few years later his brother, Robert, also became a Kappa Sigma at OSU and this brotherhood of young men lasted their entire lives. World War II began, Don left college and enlisted in the U. S. Navy April 8, 1943.
Don was stationed in the South Pacific. Two remarkable events occurred, considering that there were hundreds of thousands of men under arms all over the world. One day Don saw Robert's ship docked in the harbor of the Florida Islands where Don was stationed, and they had a wonderful week together. A few months later, his cousin and best bud, Gerald Graves's ship arrived. They both had a chance for a surprise reunion before he shipped out. All three men served honorably until the war's end. Don was discharged April 8, 1946 and returned home to Tulsa.
Don went to work for the Barnsdall Oil Company; and later, the Lee C. Moore Corporation, setting up drilling rigs in Texas, Oklahoma and Canada. He met his future wife, Ellen Marie McCright, on a blind date, and three months later October 2, 1948, they were married at the Second Presbyterian Church in Tulsa and began a journey that spanned over six decades. Don affectionately called her "Ellie Mae" and she lovingly called him "D.G." The birth of their children, Donna and David, were buoyant, wonderful and joyous occasions for Don and Ellen. Their lives were further enriched with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In 1954 Don became owner and operator of Don Todd Auto Rebuilders. A few years later, he added another occupation as owner/operator/cook of "Toddy O's Grill" in the Tuloma Building. Don often worked 20 or more hours a day running both businesses. After three arduous years, with his health failing (due to exhaustion), he had to let the grill go and returned fulltime to Don Todd Auto Rebuilders. A vocation he maintained until his retirement nearly four decades later.
Many delightful family memories were made over the years at "Cedar Crest" - Ellen's family retreat on Spring Creek. Years later, the family continued making wonderful memories at "Moe's Mountain" on Grand Lake where Don taught his grandchildren how to fish and row a boat. The Raccoon Shows at Moe's Mountain, a creation of Don's, were legendary and a delight for many years for all ages.
Though he was a child of the Depression who understood the value of a dollar, and the importance of saving, the charity he expressed during his lifetime matched his huge heart. Regularly, elderly women would stop by Don's shop selling their hand-made potholders. He always bought several. Often, homeless men would stop by the shop looking for a hand-out, Don would ask are you hungry? If the reply was yes, he would take them to the cafe across the street and buy them a meal. Annually, at Christmastime he delivered "peppered-bacon" to friends and family; and for many, many years, on Christmas day, he and Ellen held an open-house breakfast for family and friends.
Don and Ellen, affectionately, Moe and Nana, have left us a legacy, one to be honored and remembered. Ellen's was her great sense of humor; and Don's, a man of generosity.
Preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ellen McCright Todd; and his brother, Robert V. Todd. Don is survived by his beautiful children: daughter, Donna Todd Reynolds and husband, Tom; and his son, David Todd and wife, Patricia. He is also survived by his precious grandchildren, Valerie Reynolds (who Moe tenderly referred to as his "Lil' Darlin'"); Kristopher Reynolds (who Moe caringly called his "Lil' Buddy") and wife, Jessica; and Justin "Donald" Todd (who Moe endearingly called "J.D."); along with three "brilliant" adorable great-grandchildren, of whom he was quite smitten: Emily, Matthew and Kristin Marie; as well as his loving sister-in-law, Margaret Hanks Todd and brother-in-law, E. Leon Sandel, his comrade in humor. Don also leaves, after wonderful times spent and countless happy memories made with, his nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, each one having a special place in his heart.
In every authentic man, a child is hidden that wishes to play. Don was a kind, feisty, jovial, generous fellow whose inner child was often delighting others, young and old alike. People may forget what he said, people may forget what he did, but people will never forget how he made them feel.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at Moore's Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel (3612 E. 91st St., Tulsa, OK 74137). Memorial donations may be made in Don's name to Make a Wish Oklahoma www.oklahomawish.org < http://www.oklahomawish.org > and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org < http://www.stjude.org >.
Share memories at www.moorefuneral.com < http://www.moorefuneral.com > Moore's 918.663.2233.