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) Mellies, 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 (Mellies) Harsh, Kyle Mellies, J. Brandon Howell, Johsua Howell, Sayla and Mayah Todd, Aria and Lana Almemar; great-grandchildren: Alison and Madison Howell, Nora Howell, Asher and Colter Harsh, Elijah and Isaiah Mellies. 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.
I remember when I came to America and met your son Chuck, you welcomed me very much. I loved your quiet and calm atmosphere that always wrapped the whole family with a gentle smile every time we met. I hope you’ll have a very peaceful time above with your wife, Karen.
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.
Charlie(Dad),
First, thank you for raising such an amazing son. Of course, all your family is amazing. I am so blessed to have known you. Thank you for opening up your home, heart and your amazing kindness to me. I will always be grateful for that. If I had known the last time I saw you, I would have held onto that moment longer. When you left this earth, you left this hole in my heart that no can fill.
I will miss your hugs, your kindness, your quiet strength that will live on. Knowing your not suffering and not in pain any longer and you are with the love of your life brings me peace.
“A great soul never dies, they live forever in out hearts”(author unknown).
I will love you forever Dad, 💛 💓 💗
I have only fun, happy and positive memories being around Uncle Charlie.
Having lived in Colorado Springs with my Mom (Iris), Dad (Jack), and brother (Michael) as a youngster in the early 70’s, we spent lots of visits at Aunt Karen and Uncle Charlies house. I was always excited to go there. Lots of cheer and laughter. Aunt Karen would always be making yummy foods and Uncle Charlie showing me around his ‘projects’, like the old 30’s or so truck in the garage. His AMX Car, root beer colored fastback, 4 speed manual, big V8 engine. The dime slot machines in the basement and his knack for electronics and Ham radios.
I was always in ahhh. Neat stuff.
My family moved to Las Vegas later on, but one fantastic memory I have that stands out is in 1980, me, my Mom and my Brother drove to Colorado Springs to spend Christmas with Aunt Karen and Uncle Charlie. I think Chuck was a toddler then and maybe Jason a newborn, not 100% sure. When it came time for us to leave, I wanted to stay because I was having so much fun. Somehow it was arranged I could spend 3 more days alone with Aunt Karen and Uncle Charlie and then take a train back to Las Vegas from Denver. I was 11yrs old. I had such a blast, toying with gadgets, tools, electronics, Ham radio stuff with Uncle Charlie. Just great memories. He was such a good Man. Patient, polite, funny, witty, smart and just all around fun to be in his company.
Thank you Uncle Charlie for the great memories.
May you Rest in Peace Good Man.
Love You,
Matt.
Dear GG,
In all my memories with you, you always made me feel at home. It’s the little things that have really stuck with me, how you held my hand when I was little, the hugs you gave, your gentle smile, your voice. You were always so grounded, so warm, so loving. As I grow older, I see more and more glimpses of you in my dad, and I’m so blessed to have you as my grandpa. I know you’re up there watching over us with Nana, and I’m looking towards the day I get to see you again. I love you GG.
May God bring you comfort and peace