Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
UPCOMING SERVICE
Todd Atkinson Obituary
Todd Abner Atkinson
Todd Abner Atkinson born September 1st, 1967 to Vernon Atkinson and Loretta Nelson Atkinson in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Todd grew up most of years in Lockwood, Billings, Montana. He graduated in 1985 from Senior High, Billings, Montana.
Todd joined the U.S. Navy just after high-school with best friend Richard Sauter. Todd chose to go to the aviation side of the United States Navy. He graduated from Maintenance Structural Mechanic Egress School in Millington, Tennessee. Todd loved his career and achieved the rank of Chief. To further his professional growth, he applied to the Limited Duty Officer Program. Todd through hard work attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Todd enjoyed great shipmates in VAQ-129, NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, VAQ-135, NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, Naval Air Weapons Depot, PT Mugu, California, VAQ-140, NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, VAQ-141, NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, VFA-151, NAS Lemoore, California, VFA-122, NAS Lemoore, California, VFA-14, NAS Lemoore, California, NAWDC Fallon (Topgun), NAS Fallon, Nevada, and Officer in Charge, Quality Assurance Contract Oversight at NAS Milton, Florida for the maintenance of 142 T-6 Fixed wings aircraft, 119 TH-57 helicopters, supply, simulator maintenance and simulator instructor contract. Todd made 11 cruises on the mightiest of U.S. Warships. After retirement Todd joined DynCorp as the Maintenance Manager, Operations Manager and Aircraft Production Controller at Topgun, NAS Fallon, Nevada for 54 aircraft, MH-60S, FA-18C, FA-18E/F, FA-18G, FA-16A/B and E-2 aircraft and 220 personnel.
He finished his career with Corporate Air, Billings, Montana as Maintenance Controller Supervisor directing maintenance priorities for 35 C208B Cessna aircraft in 5 outlying bases.
Most said Todd was a professional student! He loved school!! Todd attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University attaining his Bachelor's Degree in Professional Aeronautics, his Master of Science in Management, Part 65 Certification and Todd also earned his FAA Airframe & PowerPoint Certification License in September 2020. He even made it in the publication of Who's Who.
Todd's latest humongous endeavor was building Kristie's and his log cabin just off the Meeteetse Trail which is off grid in the town of Belfry, Montana. Todd was an unbelievable and loving husband to Kristie. He adored his grandchildren Aspen, Christian, Zayne, Kayleigh, Elijah, Braedon and great grand daughter Paeyton.
His love of hunting was proven by a couple deer heads in the basement. He never got a bull tag, but he got a few cows for the freezer. This year while in the hospital he got his FIRST Antelope Tag. He would have loved this! He loved taking Zayne, Cassie and her family fishing even though he hated to eat fish!!
Todd's Military awards include Meritorious Service Medal (2), Navy Commendation Medal (5), Navy Achievement Medal (8), Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal (2), Navy "E" Ribbon (2), Good Conduct Medal (4), National Defense Service Medal (2), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (5), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (7), Kosovo Campaign Medal, NATO Medal (2), Navy Unit Commendation Medal (2), Expert Pistol Medal, and earned his Aviation Warfare Specialist Insignia.
Todd is survived by his adoring wife Kristie, daughter Jennifer Swedelson (Billings, Montana), Cassie Borba (Jacob, Janesville, California), daughter-in-law Ariel (Chris Hansen, Coupeville, Washington), son Christopher, 7 grandchildren and a great grand daughter. Todd was preceded in death by his father Vernon, his mother Loretta, his brothers Wayne, Marvin, Eddie and grand daughter Teegan.
Todd was a great man, leader, husband, daddy, grand parent, and a true loyal person. He touched many lives throughout his life and was a great Navy brother, shipmate and true friend. A true blue Patriot for his Country. He will be missed by many who came into his life.
Todd Abner Atkinson born September 1st, 1967 to Vernon Atkinson and Loretta Nelson Atkinson in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Todd grew up most of years in Lockwood, Billings, Montana. He graduated in 1985 from Senior High, Billings, Montana.
Todd joined the U.S. Navy just after high-school with best friend Richard Sauter. Todd chose to go to the aviation side of the United States Navy. He graduated from Maintenance Structural Mechanic Egress School in Millington, Tennessee. Todd loved his career and achieved the rank of Chief. To further his professional growth, he applied to the Limited Duty Officer Program. Todd through hard work attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Todd enjoyed great shipmates in VAQ-129, NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, VAQ-135, NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, Naval Air Weapons Depot, PT Mugu, California, VAQ-140, NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, VAQ-141, NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, VFA-151, NAS Lemoore, California, VFA-122, NAS Lemoore, California, VFA-14, NAS Lemoore, California, NAWDC Fallon (Topgun), NAS Fallon, Nevada, and Officer in Charge, Quality Assurance Contract Oversight at NAS Milton, Florida for the maintenance of 142 T-6 Fixed wings aircraft, 119 TH-57 helicopters, supply, simulator maintenance and simulator instructor contract. Todd made 11 cruises on the mightiest of U.S. Warships. After retirement Todd joined DynCorp as the Maintenance Manager, Operations Manager and Aircraft Production Controller at Topgun, NAS Fallon, Nevada for 54 aircraft, MH-60S, FA-18C, FA-18E/F, FA-18G, FA-16A/B and E-2 aircraft and 220 personnel.
He finished his career with Corporate Air, Billings, Montana as Maintenance Controller Supervisor directing maintenance priorities for 35 C208B Cessna aircraft in 5 outlying bases.
Most said Todd was a professional student! He loved school!! Todd attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University attaining his Bachelor's Degree in Professional Aeronautics, his Master of Science in Management, Part 65 Certification and Todd also earned his FAA Airframe & PowerPoint Certification License in September 2020. He even made it in the publication of Who's Who.
Todd's latest humongous endeavor was building Kristie's and his log cabin just off the Meeteetse Trail which is off grid in the town of Belfry, Montana. Todd was an unbelievable and loving husband to Kristie. He adored his grandchildren Aspen, Christian, Zayne, Kayleigh, Elijah, Braedon and great grand daughter Paeyton.
His love of hunting was proven by a couple deer heads in the basement. He never got a bull tag, but he got a few cows for the freezer. This year while in the hospital he got his FIRST Antelope Tag. He would have loved this! He loved taking Zayne, Cassie and her family fishing even though he hated to eat fish!!
Todd's Military awards include Meritorious Service Medal (2), Navy Commendation Medal (5), Navy Achievement Medal (8), Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal (2), Navy "E" Ribbon (2), Good Conduct Medal (4), National Defense Service Medal (2), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (5), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (7), Kosovo Campaign Medal, NATO Medal (2), Navy Unit Commendation Medal (2), Expert Pistol Medal, and earned his Aviation Warfare Specialist Insignia.
Todd is survived by his adoring wife Kristie, daughter Jennifer Swedelson (Billings, Montana), Cassie Borba (Jacob, Janesville, California), daughter-in-law Ariel (Chris Hansen, Coupeville, Washington), son Christopher, 7 grandchildren and a great grand daughter. Todd was preceded in death by his father Vernon, his mother Loretta, his brothers Wayne, Marvin, Eddie and grand daughter Teegan.
Todd was a great man, leader, husband, daddy, grand parent, and a true loyal person. He touched many lives throughout his life and was a great Navy brother, shipmate and true friend. A true blue Patriot for his Country. He will be missed by many who came into his life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Billings Gazette on Sep. 23, 2025.
Memorial Events
for Todd Atkinson
Memories and Condolences
for Todd Atkinson
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Todd Atkinson's name
How to support Todd's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Todd Atkinson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
