Jerrold W. Todd

**PLEASE NOTE CORRECTION TO ADDRESS OF SERVICES ON MONDAY.** Jerrold Wheeler Todd Jerry was born January 31, 1932 in Denver, Colorado, to parents John Wheeler Todd and Ella Nina (Grems) Todd. He grew up in Denver until he was about seven years old, at which time his parents moved ahead to Oakland CA while he stayed with cousins for a year. He then joined his parents in California. In February 1944, the Todd's welcomed another baby boy, Richard Melvin Todd to the family. The Todd family was complete for only a short time when in 1945 their father John passed away suddenly. Jerry, age 13, was now the ""man of the house."" He attended Castlemont High School, and was active in the ROTC. At that time, Jerry started dating a Mormon girl, and later joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. As his brother Richard would say, Jerry eventually dropped the girl, but kept the Religion. Jerry started attending San Hose State University, studying Chemical Engineering. At this time he also started working for the Southern Pacific Railroad in the Oakland Roundhouse. Trains, and anything to do with them, would become one of Jerry's great loves. This love for trains would be handed down to his brother Richard, and became a great common interest between the two. When the Korean Conflict broke out, Jerry was drafted into the Army and began his training at Fort Ord where he attained the level of sharp shooter. Upon learning of his experience with the Southern Pacific, The Army had Jerry became a Railroad Engineer. Once stationed in Korea, he was assigned the duty of taking supplies and ammunition to the front lines via train. Once the war was over, Jerry went home to Oakland. He started working again for the Southern Pacific railroad, but also decided to attend BYU. Jerry, in a 1941 car (aWillys), would drive between Oakland and Provo, attending school and working the railroad during breaks. While at school, Jerry's Ward (church congregation) was invited to a roller skating activity, where he met Bonnie Lou Hancock. The two were married September 18, 1958, in the Salt Lake Temple. Jerry continued to work towards his degree and after changing his Major a few times, Graduated BYU with a Bachelor in History, in 1960. Shortly before graduation, Jerry and Bonnie welcomed the first new addition to their family, a baby boy. Jerrold William Todd was born to them on December 11, 1959. He was a very good looking baby and was blessed with extreme intelligence, great character, and was loved by all who met him, (can you tell who's writing this?). After graduating, Jerry landed a teaching job in Glendo Wyoming, packed up his family and relocated. Though there only a short time, they developed a friendship with Denny and Nancy Daly, which has lasted to this day. Always striving to return to Denver, Jerry was offered a substitute teaching position with the Denver Public Schools. In the beginning since teaching was only part time, Jerry also drove Buses for Continental Trailways. As the small family moved to Denver, Bonnie was expecting their 2nd child and on January 30, 1962, Aaron Daniel Todd was welcomed into the family. (He had similar attributes to his wonderful big brother Jerry). The family brought Aaron home from the hospital, to their new home in Englewood on Edgemoore Dr. It was here that the family spent the next many years growing together through the years of Youth, High School, College, and a Mission for their kids. Through the years Jerry served in many callings within his Church, being always Faithful and Dedicated. He loved the Temple. Shortly after the Denver Temple was dedicated, Jerry became a Temple worker and continued in that capacity until his health precluded him from attending just a few years before his death. Jerry and Bonnie were able to fulfill a desire, and were called on a Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1993. They serve in Marion NC where they loved the people, and Jerry was called to the Bishopric and served as the 2nd Counselor. They were released in 1995. Within a few years of returning from their mission, they were able to build their dream home in Sedalia CO, where they spent many happy years. In September 2004, Bonnie passed away of a heart attack in her home. Jerry's health declined sharply after that and after a few months he was no longer able to live alone. In 2005 Jerry went into assisted living, and eventually had to be taken care of in a nursing home called Holly Heights, where he was loved, and received amazing care. Jerry passed away on July 5, 2009. We are grateful for our Fathers life, and the example he has set for us. He will be greatly missed.