Jason Edward Todd

Jason Edward Todd, 96, of Fort Gibson, was born on October 22, 1927 in Fort Gibson to Charles Edward Todd and Leona Mae (Gardner) Todd the oldest of their seven children. He went home with his Jesus on Sunday, May 26, 2024 at the Jack C Montgomery Veterans Medical Center in Muskogee. He was only 12 years old and in the 6th grade when his father passed away. He wished greatly to get at least his 8th grade diploma. On his own, he walked into the superintendent's office at Fort Gibson Public Schools asking how this could be possible as the farmer that had employed his father had offered him the job on the farm to help-out his family, which then included his mother and 5 younger siblings. He made the "deal" with Mr. Phillips to work 2 weeks and then go to school 2 weeks, making up everything he had missed while he was working. His employer also agreed to this arrangement. He did this for 2 years in order to obtain that much wanted diploma. He met Bettye Eubanks when he was 17 and she was 14. They were married on April 30, 1948 and celebrated almost 63 years of marriage before she passed away on March 23, 2011. He wanted to enlist in the service when WWII began but he was too young and was also working full-time to help the family. He received his draft notice when he turned 18 and instead of waiting, he just went in to enlist. He said they asked him if he wanted Navy or Army. He told them Army as he could walk further than he could swim. He was sent to Italy just as the peace treaty was being signed. His superiors found out he could drive anything and if it didn't run, he could fix it to make it run again so they put him in transport. He transported supplies and German prisoners across Italy, always having to find new routes as there were still many "hot spots." He was only shot at once that he knew and wasn't sure if they were actually shooting at him or the German prisoners he was transporting. After his discharge, he continued his service in the reserves and then was re-called for the Korean Conflict, serving at Fort Lee, Virginia, training the troops sent overseas. He worked many jobs over the decades including farming, carpenter, mechanic, diesel mechanic, fireman, roofer, City Marshal for the Town of Fort Gibson, heavy equipment operator, and welder on Fort Gibson Dam and all other lock and dams in the area later dredging out the waterways preparing for barge traffic up the Arkansas River Navigation System. He was a charter member of the First Pentecostal Holiness Church (now Calvary Faith) in Fort Gibson before moving to New Life Center in Muskogee in the early 90's. He was also a charter member of the Muskogee County Sheriff's Patrol, joining in the late 50's under the prior name of Muskogee County Emergency Squad. He was with the first class to be fully certified as deputies in the early 60's. He worked many special events with the patrol including ball games, disasters, civic events, and uncountable Fort Gibson football and basketball games, serving over 35 years before retiring. He is a retired member of the Fort Gibson Fire Department back when they were volunteers, last serving as Chief before he retired. He was with the first group that attended classes and became fully certified firefighters. He was also a Fort Gibson Town Councilman, serving in the early 60's and was with the Council instrumental in getting the sewer system installed, new water lines and bringing in Oklahoma Natural Gas to all homes that wanted it. He was a proud life-time member of Frank Gladd American Legion Post #20. He enjoyed listening to bluegrass, gospel and country music, traveling with Bettye on their Honda Gold Wing motorcycle, hunting, fishing and camping. He was always up for a good game of dominoes, chicken foot, moon or a new card game. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, both brothers, Charles and Jesse Harold, all four sisters, Pearl, Lois, Margaret and Audry and a great-granddaughter, Angel Rose Arndt. He is survived by his daughter, Janell Arndt and her husband, Tom; granddaughter, Julia Arndt; grandson, David Arndt and his wife, Sarah; two great-grandsons, Joshua and Uriah Arndt and one great-granddaughter, Rachel Arndt; many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends; his dog, Bella; and his cat, Socks; and many extended family members who called him "Uncle Jason," "Dad" or "Pawpaw." The family would like to express a special thank you to all his loving nurses, therapists, aides and caregivers, especially Jesse Miller and Linda Milton. Donations to either New Life Center Christian Academy, 4025 Gibson St, Muskogee or Trail of Honor Flags, Inc at Frank Gladd American Legion Post #20 in his name would be greatly appreciated. A viewing will be held Thursday, May 30, 2024 from 1PM-8PM and a visitation with the family receiving friends from 6PM-8PM at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson. A celebration of Jason's life will be 10:30AM, Friday, May 31, 2024 at New Life Center in Muskogee with Reverend Tom Arndt, Reverend Danny Harrison, Reverend Philip Morris, and Reverend Jonathan Todd officiating. David Arndt, Joshua Arndt, Russell McNeely, Eric Mefford, Mark Smith, and Marvin Smith will be serving as casket bearers. Gene Brown, Ron Cagle, Lyle Rasmussen, Jimmie Taylor, members of the Muskogee County Sheriff's Patrol, active and retired, the Fort Gibson Fire Department, active and retired, and Fort Gibson Police Officers, active and retired, will serve as honorary casket bearers. Interment will follow at 12:30PM in Fort Gibson National Cemetery with military honors being observed. The family of Jason Edward Todd has entrusted his care, service, and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home, Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555. Online condolences may be left for the Todd family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

Jason Edward Todd

October 22, 1927 - May 26, 2024