TRAIN KILL LOCAL MAN

What police believe was an elderly man's attempt to outrace a train at a crossing ended in his death Saturday morning.

Herbert D. Todd, 85, of 313 N. 4th St. was killed instantly when he was struck by a Missouri Pacific freight train about 10:40 am Saturday, according to police reports. Those reports said Todd was struck as he apparently attempted to beat the oncoming freight to a crossing in the 200 block of Main Street.

"People and cars always lose when it comes to trains," Detective Capt. Jerry Volkert said. He added that police plan no further investigation of the accident. Jefferson County Coroner John Richardson said this morning he plans to hold an inquest regarding Todd's death, but said it will not be conducted for at least two weeks.

Herbert D. Todd, 85, 313 N. 4th St., died at 10:40 am Saturday when struck by a Missouri Pacific train.

A retired letter carrier with the U.S. Post Office for 33 years, Mr. Todd was born in Hamilton County Aug. 25, 1895, the son of Harry H. and Emma (Hayes) Todd.

On Oct. 6, 1923, in Mt. Vernon, he married Hallie E. Marlin, who died Oct. 10, 1979.

An Army veteran of World War I, Mr. Todd was a member of the Epworth United Methodist Church, the Mt. Vernon Masonic Lodge No. 31 A. F. & A. M. and the Retired Federal Employees.

A meditation service will be held at 7:30 pm today at the Hughey Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held at 10 am Tuesday at Hopewell Cemetery with the Rev. David Morgan officiating. Those attending the graveside service are asked to go directly to the cemetery.

Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Joe W. (Lois) Bundy of Mt. Vernon and Mrs. William (Edith) Arensman of Mission, Texas; six grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Ruth Vaughn of Lakeland, Fla.

He was preceded in death by one son, Charles, and two sisters.

Source: Mt. Vernon Register News
Date: 1981
Submitted by: Ken Richardson