Charlie Darold Todd, 81, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on January 20, 2026. He was a native Colorado Springs resident and worked as a Computer Room Manager at the Gazette Telegraph until he retired in 2008.
Charlie was born on May 15, 1944, to Charles Alvin Todd and Cora Onita (Finney) Todd in Colorado Springs, Colorado. On September 15, 1972, he married the love of his life, Karen DeAnn (Ellis) Todd in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Charlie loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, fishing, and gardening with his family. He also had a passion for amateur radio and computer technologies. He was multi-talented and knowledgeable in all things carpentry, electronics, and automotive. He was the family (and friend) handyman who could fix and build just about anything and everything. He was an active member of the Garden of the Gods Amateur HAM Radio Club where he was also known by his call letters: KA0ATO. He attended Palmer High School and graduated in 1962. Then he served for six years in the United States National Guard of Colorado and was Honorably Discharged from the 140th Signal Battalion in 1971.
Charlie is survived by his loving children: Sherri D. (Howell) Mellis, James I. Howell, Charles D. Todd, Jason D. Todd, and Dena R. (Todd) Almemar; his youngest brother, Curtis W. Todd; his grandchildren: Lauryn Howell, Jamie (Mellis) Harsh, Kyle Mellies, J. Brandon Howell, Johsua Howell, Sayla Todd, Mayah Todd, Aria Almemar and Lana Almemar; great-grandchildren: Alison and Madison Howell, Nora Howell, Elijah and Colter Harsh, Asher and Isaiah Howell. He also is survived by sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles D. and Cora O. (Finney) Todd; his adoring wife, Karen D. (Ellis, Howell) Todd; sisters: Venita C. (Todd) Carter and Charlotte A. (Todd) Tilson; twin brother, Chauncie H. Todd; daughter, Lisa K. (Howell) Cummings; grandson, Jeffery B. Howell; nephews Bobby D. Carter, Michael B. and Gary W. Tilson; brother-in-law, Buster R. Tilson; son-in-law, Cash S. Cummings; daughter-in-law Valerie D. (Romero) Howell.
A visitation will be held from 5PM to 7PM on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 East Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910.
A funeral service will be held at 2PM on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel. Witnessed entombment to follow at the Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum, Garden of Angels. A reception will be held following the entombment at Dena and Farhang’s house.
May the God of all comfort be with you and your family at this time.
When I came into the world in June of 1967, my dad was in the middle of a tour in Vietnam. During that time, my mom, Charlotte (Todd) Tilson, was staying with Charlie in his house on Mill Street. So I was actually introduced to my Uncle Charlie before I met my dad a few months later. As time has gone on, and I reflect on all the things I have had in my life, I know that I have been such a lucky person. I was blessed with a wonderful family and I always know that my Uncle Charlie was one of the greatest people in my life. I will miss him every day until the day I hope to see him and my Aunt Karen again in heaven.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
~Unknown
Dad, you are my hero. You prepared me to handle whatever life throws at me — the good and the bad. You taught me so much, not just skills, but how to live. You gave me the tools I need to keep going and to stand strong. I know you’re with me, and I look forward to seeing you again in the afterlife. Until we meet again, I hold you dearly in my heart.