Obituary for E. Claude Todd
Stilwell Democrat-Journal, Stilwell,[Adair County] Oklahoma


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Democrat-Journal, Stilwell, OK
Wednesday April 24, 2002


TODD, E. Claude

 E. Claude Todd died Friday April 19, 2002. He was born Sept. 10, 1912 to 
George and Annie Todd. Claude grew up in western Oklahoma farming with his 
dad. Farming was never far from his heart. He graduated from Oklahoma A & M 
college, now OSU in 1939 with a degree in Vocational Agriculture. He taught 
vocational agriculture in Bixby, worked with Muskogee Chamber of Commerce, 
sold and shipped fresh produce. Eventually Claude ended up in Stilwell, OK 
with the Stilwell Canning Co. in 1950 as the sales manager. He became 
President and CEO of this firm which eventually became Stilwell foods. Claude 
was very instrumental in the development of frozen southern vegetables especially 
items such as frozen breaded okra, frozen fruit cobblers and many more. He served 
on the boards of the National Canners and the National Freezers organizations. 
He was president of the Ozark Processors Association. He masterminded the 
development of the Rio Grande Foods plant in McAllen, TX. He retired from Stilwell 
Foods in 1983. He and his wife Patty moved to Tulsa. Here he was on the board of 
directors of Boston Ave. Methodist Church and a member of the Wesley Fellowship 
Sunday school class. He enjoyed a farm just outside of Tulsa. He loved to play 
bridge. His family was his hobby.

 He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Patty. He is survived by his 
daughter Marilyn and husband Jim Conner of Tulsa and his son Tom and wife Vahla 
Todd of Oklahoma City, grandchildren: Phillip and wife Kyanne Todd of Dallas, TX, 
Kris Todd of New York City, NY, and Natalie Conner of Colorado Springs, CO.

 Services will be Tuesday at 2:00pm, Rose Chapel Boston Ave. Methodist Church. 
Donations may be made to the National Parkinson's Association.