Robert Darrel Todd

Robert Darrel Todd, age 98, was born on May 23, 1927, in New Plymouth, Ohio, to Melvin H. and Sylvia M. (Dean)Todd. He passed away peacefully at his home in Marion, Ohio, leaving behind a life rich in service, craftsmanship, adventure and love for family.

On March 9, 2026 he went to be at rest in heaven with his Lord and Savior, after taking Jesus into his heart in October.

Darrel graduated from Brown Zaleski High School in 1945. Shortly thereafter, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1946 aboard the USS Alaska. During his naval service, Darrel traveled extensively, including ports in Qingdao, China, and Jinsen, Korea, returning to the United States through the Panama Canal-experiences that shaped his lifelong appreciation for travel and the wider world. On February 19, 1950, Darrel married the love of his life, Eva Marjorie "Margie" Hartsock. They shared 68 devoted years of marriage until Margie's passing in 2018. Together they raised two children and built a life grounded in faith, family and hard work.

Darrel was employed by Columbia Gas Company from 1948 until his retirement in 1985. Outside of work, he found joy in the outdoors from an early age, becoming an avid hunter and lifelong lover of the woods. He was a gifted woodworker who took great pride in creating beautiful clocks and fine furniture that will be cherished by his family for generations. During retirement, Darrel embraced life fully-spending countless hours fishing for perch and walleye on Lake Erie, golfing, riding his motorcycles and traveling with Margie.

Even as he aged and eventually lost his eyesight, his enthusiasm for life never waned. A deep lover of music, Darrel taught himself to play the harmonica, with "When the Saints Go Marching In' being his favorite tune. After losing his sight, he took up ballroom dancing and went on to become a ballroom dance instructor for ten years- an accomplishment that reflected his determination, adaptability and joy for movement and music.

Darrel and Margie lived in Texas for 20 years before returning to Ohio during Margie's illness, to be closer to family.

In his later years, Darrel discovered a talent for poetry and wrote several poems, leaving behind yet another expression of his thoughtful and creative spirit.

Darrel is survived by his two children, K. Michael (Linda) Todd and Debra (David) Ruth; five grandsons, Jason (Jenny) Todd, Jeremy (Courtney) Todd, John (Rachel) Todd, Andy (Melinda) Ruth, Brian (Marie) Ruth; thirteen great grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margie; his sister, Barbra (William) and his parents.

Darrel will be remembered for his resilience, creativity, love of learning and his unwavering devotion to his family. His life was a testament to living life to its fullest, adapting gracefully and finding joy in every season.

Special thank you to his longtime friend, Benita, for delicious weekly meals and an unending supply of chocolate chip cookies; Ivan for his regular Friday afternoon visits to reminisce about cars, current events and Jesus; Ava, Marie, Sheryl and Teresa for their loving care during the year as well as the care from the aids at Primrose Retirement Community and Tranquility Hospice.

No calling hours will be observed. A private family service will be held honoring his life at a later time.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tranquility Hospice in care of the funeral home.

The Snyder Funeral Home is honored to be helping the family during this difficult time. On line condolences may be expressed to the family at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.