Jerry Guy Todd

Jerry Guy Todd, 75, passed away peacefully at his home in Center Point, Texas, on February 14, 2025. Born on September 4, 1949, in Houston, Texas, to Guy Walter Todd and Evelyn Wilson Todd, Jerry spent most of his life in Houston, except for his time serving in the U.S. Navy.

At 19, Jerry joined the Navy and served for nearly four years aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger, stationed out of San Francisco. During his service, he earned his GED and formed a lifelong friendship with Dale Criswell, a bond that remained strong until Jerry’s passing. In addition to his lifelong friend, Dale, Jerry had two very close friends that spanned decades: Lynn Everts, his hunting and shooting buddy, and Charlie Hoelscher, his mentee in reloading ammo. Both stood by him through life's ups and downs.

After his time in the Navy, Jerry pursued various careers, working as an exterminator before joining the union as a stagehand for Houston’s fine arts, including the Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet, and Houston Symphony, in 1991. He dedicated 20 years to the craft before a stroke in 2009 ended his career. In between opera seasons, he worked as a skilled gunsmith, a passion he carried for over 40 years.

Jerry met the love of his life, Ann Quinn Todd, at a Christmas party in 1990. They built a life together, moving in with each other in 1994 and marrying in Houston on October 12, 2002. Together, they shared a love for travel, especially attending motorcycle races, and they cared deeply for their two Maine Coon rescue cats, Harley and Max, who brought them years of companionship.

A man of many talents and interests, Jerry was an avid motorcyclist, rebuilding two Kawasaki bikes from the ground up. He was also a skilled marksman, a lifetime NRA member, and a Federal Firearms License (FFL) holder who loved sharing his knowledge of firearms with friends and loved ones—even Ann, despite her lack of enthusiasm.

In May 2024, Jerry and Ann fulfilled his longtime dream of moving to the countryside, settling in Center Point. Their first three weeks without internet gave Jerry the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature, something he deeply enjoyed.

Jerry never met a stranger—he always had a story to tell and could talk for hours. His presence will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Ann Quinn Todd; his son, Scott Todd of Oregon; and his foster siblings Sue Leasure (husband Ken), Bubba Sparks (wife Nancy), Bill Sparks (wife Lauren), and Vicki Sparks Moses.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jimmy Todd; his foster parents, Doug and Barbara Sparks—who took him in as family after he met their eldest daughter in junior high, following the passing of his mother when he was 12; and his aunts and uncle.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to Peterson Hospice and ASPCA.

Jerry’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Peterson’s Home Health team and Peterson Hospice team for their excellent care and compassion.

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