MR. DONALD E. TODD – – Morgan County Historian
b 3/19/1918, d 8/29/2005
Respectfully and affectionally known as “Mr. Todd” to all who knew him
TODD, DONALD E. — age 87 of Wartburg, passed away Monday, August 29, 2005. He was born in Elgin, TN, graduated Robbins High School, UT Martin and UT Knoxville. He was a First Lieutenant in the 13th Army Air Corps, serving as a Bombardier during World War II in the Pacific Theatre until his discharge in 1994. He worked for the Agricultural Adjustment Administration, Soil Conservation Service and was a retired Morgan County Teacher and member of the Retired Teacher’s Association. He was a Boy Scout Leader and Sunday School Teacher in First Baptist Church of Wartburg. He was a charter member of the Morgan County Genealogical and Historical Society and served as Morgan County Historian until his death. Mr. Todd was very active in environmental and conservation issues until his death and received numerous awards. As a part of his environmental efforts, he hosted a radio talk show, led wildflower hikes in Frozen Head State Park and appeared on the Heartland television series. He was a founder and Past President of the Tennessee Trails Association with a prime role in passing the bill that created Tennessee’s Scenic Trail System. He was also a founder and served three terms as President of Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning. Mr. Todd was instrumental in the establishment of the Obed River as part of the National Wild and Scenic River System. He led efforts for the establishment of Frozen Head State Park and later efforts to expand the protection of the Flat Fork Valley adjacent to the park. For these efforts, he was the first Tennessean to be presented with the prestigious Gulf Oil Award in 1985. Mr. Todd also received the 2000 Lifetime Achievement Award in Morgan County. He was preceded in death by: his wife, Elgiva; brothers, Charles and Collins. He is survived by: sons, Donald Jr. and Stephen; daughter, Janet; seven grandchildren; sisters, June Ogilvie, Vivian Gateley, Betty Cable, Virginia Watts, Jacquetta Summer. The family will receive friends Wednesday, August 31, 2005 from 6-8 pm at Schubert Funeral Home in Wartburg. Funeral services will follow at 8 pm with Bro. Homer Hooks officiating. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, 11 am in Morgan Memorial Gardens, Wartburg. [Knoxville News Sentinal]