"Todd, more than 28 years ago, you insisted on driving me home when I was unable to do so. Without question, you saved my life that night. I've never forgotten that kindness. I pray GOD keeps your loved ones enfolded in his arms as he enjoys your company in Heaven. Few people would have offered to do what you did. I am indebted to you, my friend, forever. "
In loving memory of
Todd E. Claiborne
December 5, 1961 - September 11, 2013
Todd Eugene Claiborne, 51, of Keokuk, died at 4:55 AM Wednesday, September 11, 2013, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.
Todd was born December 5, 1961, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Paul H. and Phyllis Fowler Claiborne. He and Kay Schmitz were married in 1986 and later divorced. He graduated from Keokuk High School and lived in Keokuk with the exception of 19 years in Tennessee. He was a process and manufacturing engineer and had been employed by Tepro, Inc. while living in Winchester, Tennessee, and by BTR, later Henniges in Keokuk. Most recently he was employed by Roquette. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Estill Springs, Tennessee but was raised in Trinity United Methodist Church in Keokuk. He belonged to Winchester Lodge #158 A.F. &A.M. of Winchester, Tennessee, and the NRA.
Todd liked to go 4-wheeling and for long rides on the Harley Davidson. He was an enthusiastic NASCAR fan. He enjoyed hiking on the mountains in Tennessee and camping and fishing. He loved to chat with neighbors and friends and always had a smile on his face. He loved playing the role of grandpa and was a great father and friend. He will be missed dearly.
He is survived by two sons, Alex Claiborne and Tyler Claiborne of Keokuk, and Logan Claiborne who thought of Todd as a father; two brothers, Phil (Kacey) Claiborne of Allen, Texas and David Claiborne of Marion, Iowa; his fiancé, Tina Rose of Keokuk; three nieces and a nephew, Sarah, Gina, Ami and Jonathan Claiborne; special friends and family, Jim "Ronnie" and Barbara Weber, Josh (Heather) Rose, Ryan Rose, Michelle Rose, Aaron McCan, Callie and Sara Rose.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Carol Claiborne.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Sunday, September 15, at the Trinity United Methodist Church, in Keokuk with Rev. Missy Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park.
Visitation will be Saturday, September 14, after 3 PM with family meeting friends from 6-8 PM, at DeJong-Greaves Celebration of Life Center at 917 Blondeau St. There will be a public Masonic service at 8 PM following the visitation.
Memorials may be made in his memory to the University of Iowa Hospital Cardiac Care Unit, or to the American Heart Association.
Tributes
"May God Comfort You during this difficult time....Tina and family- you are in our thoughts and prayers. So enjoyed meeting Todd earlier this summer as we crossed paths at the Mexican Restaurant and of course had so much fun at the class reunion! May your wonderful memories of Todd sustain you. We are so very sorry."
"Alex, Tyler & Tina, I, and the people of First Baptist Church Estill Springs, want you to know our love and prayers are with you. Todd and all of you continue to be near and dear to our hearts. In Christ, Pastor Jim, Isaiah 40:31"
"thinking about you Tina if I can help you in any way through the weeks to come please don't think twice to ask"
"So sorry for the loss of Todd. we have many special memories of him and we will always remember the great times. Tom an I go way back with him and will cherish the times we had together. RIP Todd. Love You Much!!"
"Todd was a good man, he'll be missed. We worked together both at the 'Globe' and in Tennessee. We were a couple of northerners on the same street in Estill. May God comfort your families."
"Phil and family, Extremely sorry to hear this. Please know you are in our thoughts. RIP Todd, Peace, m... "
"To Phil, Dave, Tina and family; My condolences, may Todd RIP. "
"Tina and family...we are so sorry for the loss of Todd..I worked with him at BTR what fun we would have and always a laugh and smile from him...You are in our thoughts and prayers.."
"You left too soon Todd! Thanks for your friendship and being a good co-worker at Tepro for many years! I enjoyed us picking on each other and joking around during some very long work hours! Thanks for going fishing with me on Tims and being our friend!"
"Todd and I worked together at BTR for several years as our Fathers did back in the Shellor-Globe days. We used to hang out on weekends and have a lot of laughs playing cards or board games. I later moved to Tennessee near Todd. We went over to see him and Kay several times and their hospitality was like family. He always had something positive to share and you could count on him to make you laugh. This is truly a huge loss for his family and friends. My sympathy goes out to his family. Todd was a good man and his sons' can be proud of the person Todd was! RIP Todd."
"Tina, I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers."
"Dear Tina and Family, I remember seeing you visiting Trinity Church one Sunday with Todd. The sparkle in both of your eyes said it all. Todd had come back to spend time with his parents and you were along. Cherish the happy memories that both of you (Todd and Tina) have had for the last ten years. They will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Janice and Roger"
" I would like to extend my deepest, heartfelt sympathy to Todd's family. I worked with Phil at Tipenbuds and from that grew a friendship, including my ex-husband David. I remember Phil speaking of his little brother often. Hugs, Phil. Your family will be in my prayers. "
"Dear Tina and Family, Just wanted you to know Steve and I are holding you in our thoughts and prayers. We will always remember sitting with you two at your class reunion. There was not one moment when Todd was not smiling or laughing, which just showed how happy he was! My God bless and keep you through the days ahead."