Robert Lyndon Todd

Robert "Bob" Lyndon Todd, 81, of Abilene passed away on April 6, 2010, after a courageous 14 year battle with Alzheimer's disease. Bob was born in Greenville, Kentucky on April 11, 1928, the only child of Robert and Sudie Todd. He played sports and lived the all American small town life growing up in Kentucky and graduating from Greenville High School. Bob then attended Centre College and graduated from Evansville University where he played baseball and basketball. Bob played shortstop for one year in the minor league system for the Chicago Cubs. Bob then attended Vanderbilt University and completed his master's degree in education. Bob served his country in the US Army during the Korean Conflict, working in the Denver Army hospital and designing sports therapy programs for young soldiers who were wounded in battle and recovering from their injuries. Bob always felt blessed to enjoy two wonderful careers that he loved. In the early part of his adult life, he was a teacher and high school basketball coach for Greenville High School in Kentucky. He moved to Texas to teach and coach in Abilene and soon thereafter accepted the position as the head basketball coach at Midland High School. Bob met Iris when they were both teachers in Abilene. They married, and then moved to Midland to start their family. Over a six year period in the late 50's and early 60's, Bob coached some of the greatest high school boys' teams to ever play basketball in West Texas, winning 77% of all their games. In 1963, Bob began a career in the life insurance business and never looked back. He achieved his Certified Life Underwriter (CLU) designation and enjoyed a 30 year career as a top insurance agent for Cal Western Life and then American General Life, receiving numerous awards along the way. Bob's sense of humor, positive attitude, intelligence and coaching background were excellent preparation for a business career that he loved. He was an entrepreneur, opening his own agency in Midland. Bob also spent time mentoring other young agents during their careers. Bob loved many things in his life - his Lord Jesus Christ, his family, watching his boys grow up, watching his son Robin excel in basketball and baseball, listening to his son Toby play the piano, attending sporting events, being involved in his church and community, enjoying the mountains, relaxing in Ruidoso, NM, reading, playing golf and dancing with his wife Iris. Bob balanced his life with Godly priorities and emphasis on family and friends. Bob was a motivator and teacher of life and he had a tremendous impact on many people. Despite his prolonged illness and inability to communicate the last several years, he continued to receive letters of love and support from his former basketball players...right up until his death. Bob is survived by his wife of 53 years, Iris Todd, son Toby Todd and wife Bridget, daughter- in-law Kelly Todd, grandchildren Westin, Katelyn, and Bo Todd and step-grandchildren Stefan and Samantha Scott. Bob was preceded in death by his oldest son Robin Todd who passed away unexpectedly at age 52 in January 2010 and is deeply missed by all the Todd family. What a blessing that Bob and Robin are now together in Heaven. A memorial service for Bob Todd will be conducted Saturday afternoon, April 10, at 2:00 o'clock, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, Texas. A celebratory reception at Wesley Court will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605.