Howard Todd

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Howard Erwin Todd, age 72, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away on April 18, 2026, at his home.

Howard was born on June 16, 1953, in Roseburg, Oregon, to Howard and Shirley Todd. He grew up alongside his brothers, and sister, forming the foundation of a life centered on family, resilience, and curiosity.

On April 12, 1989, he married Wanda Owens at the Lake of the Ozarks. Together, they built a life filled with love and raised a family of six children—three sons and three daughters—who were a constant source of pride and joy.

Howard dedicated his professional life to serving others as a firefighter and paramedic with the Joplin Fire District, JEMS, and METS Ambulance services. Through years of commitment and courage, he rose to the rank of Fire Marshal, retiring in 2001. Once retired he worked for Joplin Fire Protection. His career reflected his steady character, leadership, and willingness to meet challenges head-on.

Outside of his service, Howard was a man of remarkable talent and wide-ranging interests. He had a deep love for learning new skills and pursuing challenges, often mastering whatever he set his mind to. He was an avid gamer, known by his friends around the world as “FireCapt” while playing Call of Duty. Through gaming, he formed lasting friendships across the globe and even had the opportunity to travel and meet several of those friends in person.

Howard also enjoyed building intricate model planes, boats, and cars, as well as restoring full-size vehicles. His craftsmanship extended into smithing, where he created swords and knives, and into collecting and restoring black powder firearms, which he used in historical reenactments he greatly enjoyed. In later years, he even took up embroidery and quilting—further proof of his creativity and willingness to try anything new.

He was truly a jack of all trades, but more than that, he approached each passion with dedication, patience, and pride.

He was preceded in death by his parents Shirley Todd and Howard D. Todd.

Howard is survived by his loving wife, Wanda Todd, of the home; his sons, Howie Todd of Joplin, Missouri, Jason Gomez and wife Kim of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and Joshua Gomez of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; his daughters, Crystal Shryock and husband Bob of Joplin, Missouri, Jennifer Covalt and husband Jon of Mustang, Oklahoma, and Jessica Salas and husband Anthony of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; his brothers, Bryan Todd and wife Heidi of Carthage, Missouri, and Daryl Todd and wife Sandee of Arley, Alabama; his sister, Terri Poore and husband Jim of Klamath Falls, Oregon; 12 grandchildren: Courtney, Brittany and husband Brandon, Meagan, Marissa, Dakota and wife Chelsea, Bobby, Emily, Jayden, Joie, Jacy, Khayli, Joseph and a host of nieces and nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Saturday, May 2 at the family home, 2502 N. Indiana Ave. Joplin, MO 64801.