Franklin Earl Todd Jr., 80, Clinton, died peacefully Jan. 4, 2004, after a valiant battle with cancer.

He was born May 2, 1923, in Westerville, Neb., to Frank and Della Todd. He grew up on the family farm with four brothers, Cliff, Don, Buzz and Ralph, and two sisters, Gwen and Pat.

He was a chief petty officer in the Navy during World War II, and was decorated for bravery during the bombing of Dutch Harbor, Alaska. After the war he was a commercial airlines flight engineer, a Boeing flight instructor, and was elected to two terms as the mayor of Tukwila.

He was a member of the American Legion, Rotary Club, Shriners and Masons and donated many resources to community projects. He loved playing poker, boating, eating seafood, gardening, rock hunting, walking in the woods, riding his tractor, helping others, and time with family.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joan; children Bill, Lisa, Jennifer, Matt, Mark, John and Cathy and their families, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A celebration of his life will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at South Whidbey Assembly of God, 5373 Maxwelton Road, Langley.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Enso House, 6339 Wahl Road, Freeland; Home Health Care & Hospice of Whidbey General Hospital; or Whidbey General Ambulance Service, Coupeville.