Ken Todd

Ken Todd Memorial Video: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vTj6jbKNj7boh9265doLNi0Z4seTHIx3n5dOhiB65nkZ0B4sea9uHKLbbeM7H7UwD40WZltj3mfmPh7/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=5000&slide=id.gbc226615d5_1_78

Ken Todd was a third generation newspaper man. His family never doubted that they came first, but he was dedicated to the Gary Post-Tribune and The Indianapolis Star & News. Ken grew up in the newspaper business. As a kid, he carried a paper route and worked weekends and summers in the office or the mailroom and transportation departments in Gary, IN. During college summers, he filled in for vacationing District Managers in Gary and Rockford, IL.

Ken was born September 19, 1938 to Anne (Ransel) Todd and William C. Todd in Gary, IN. He died January 20, 2021 of Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia.

He graduated from Lew Wallace High School and was planning to attend Wabash College until he visited DePauw University and remembered that they had girls! At DePauw, Ken was an active member and vice president of Sigma Chi Fraternity and was Circulation Manager of the student newspaper, The DePauw. He played more Bridge than his parents would have liked! Ken graduated from DePauw in 1960 with a degree in Economics and returned to Gary to work with his father in the Circulation Department of the Gary Post-Tribune. When he returned to DePauw for a weekend visit the next fall, his high school friend fixed him up on a blind date with her sorority sister. That was the beginning of a life that included a 58-year marriage and a wonderful family. Jo Ann Eggers and Ken were married July 21, 1962. Their son Charley was born in 1965 and daughter Sara in 1967.

The family moved to Indianapolis in 1965 for Ken to take a position with The Indianapolis Star & News. Over 35 years, Ken served as Circulation Director; Personnel Director; Labor Relations Director; and nearing retirement, he was the Project Manager for planning and building the new printing plant, the Pulliam Production Center. Never had he had so much fun - what a great way to wind down his career! In the 70s and 80s, Ken was instrumental in developing an innovative program for circulation that paved the way to today’s commonplace computerized circulation management. This opened up new opportunities for advertisers to select targeted zones of the city to advertise in instead of having only the “one size fits all” solution of advertising in the entire distribution or not at all.

Ken was actively involved in newspaper associations his entire career. He led many professional training programs in the industry. He served in numerous positions in the Central States Circulation Managers Association, including president. Ken also served on the International Circulation Managers Board. He received several industry awards, including the Outstanding Young Circulator Award and the Herbert B. Gilmore Exemplary Service Award.

Ken served on the Civic Theater Board, the At Your School Services Board (AYS), and the 500 Festival Board. A fun highlight was in 1986 when the race was rained out. Ken drove a Corvette pace car helping to dry the track. He didn’t want to “pit” when the time came to stop! The opportunity to be someone else in Players Club productions will always remain one of the Todds’ most enjoyable activities. Ken played Bridge and Euchre throughout his life, drove his 1990 Mazda Miata (“Little Red”) through rain and snow, read every Louis L’Amour book, and could never pass up anything sweet . . . including a Brandy Manhattan.

Ken taught Sara and Charley so much about life, especially about the importance of treating everyone with kindness and respect. They spent memorable times with him at the newspaper offices going through yards of adding machine tape and accompanying the man who filled first aid stations! He helped people in need throughout his life without expecting any recognition. Ken was known for his kind heart, ready smile, and infinite patience.

Through the years, travel was a large part of the Todds’ life. Wonderful times were spent at Ken’s family’s home in Barbados and Jo Ann’s in northern Minnesota. After retirement they tried to see as much of the world as possible and spent winters in Tucson, AZ.

The move to Indianapolis was never guaranteed to be permanent. However, the Todds have been so fortunate to have remained in a town that has grown to be a wonderful place to raise a family. It is one of their biggest blessings to have many of the same wonderful friends for over fifty years.

Ken / Dad / Papa is survived by his wife Jo Ann, son Charley (Mary) and their sons Gunnar and Jackson; daughter Sara Neal (Kip) and their children Julia and Kevin. He was predeceased by his parents and sister Lee Todd Deer.

The family thanks Traditions at Solana and Heartland Hospice for their loving care.

No services are being held at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to Rock Steady Boxing (Indy’s Parkinson’s therapy gym) at 7440 N Shadeland Ave, Ste 202, Indianapolis, IN 46250 or rocksteadyboxing.org/donate or the Lewy Body Dementia Association at 912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047 or lbda.org/donate.