May 15, 1965 - March 3, 2009

Todd Evan Elkins, 43, of Albany died Tuesday in an automobile accident.

He was born in Prineville, the second son of Lloyd and Myrtle Elkins, now known as Myrtle Moodenbaugh. Myrtle's second husband, Glenn Moodenbaugh, raised Todd as his own.

After graduating from Elgin High School in 1983, he moved to Springfield, Mo., attending Evangel University and Southwest Missouri State University. He graduated from Oregon State University in 1993 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. For the past 16 years Todd has been employed at Hewlett-Packard in Corvallis.

On Jan. 10, 1986, Todd married Karen Ables, after a friendship that began in the eighth grade. They were married in Springfield, Mo., while both were attending college, and the next year they moved to Albany, where the family continues to reside. Their son, Devan, was born in 1986 while they were living in Missouri. Their daughters were all born in Albany: Alyssa, 1990; Elani, 1993; and Aleya, 1996.

For the past 22 years the family has worshiped at the First Assembly of God in Albany. Todd enjoyed teaching Bible classes. He was also a sound tech and a leader in the church's youth group for many years. In the last year of his life he had no greater passion than sitting with friends to read the word of God aloud. He is also remembered by many as a man who loved to worship.

Todd loved people more than anything and he had a wide variety of friends. His love was often expressed through acts of kindness. He could build or fix almost anything, and he often made his talents available to those in need. Young people particularly loved his humor, zest for life, and penchant for blowing things up. A day he spent on a dirt bike, a street bike or a snow board was sure to please.

Todd leaves behind his wife, Karen; grown son Devan; daughters Alyssa, Elani and Aleya; his parents, Myrtle and Glenn; brother Karl; brother Travis and wife Jeana, and their children; and aunt Judy. He will also be deeply missed by all of his extended family through Karen.

Todd was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Elkins.

A celebration of Todd's life will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Albany First Assembly of God, 2817 Santiam Highway S.E., with a reception following. The service will be church Todd-style, so those attending should feel free to wear jeans.

Fisher Funeral Home is handling arrangements (www.fisherfuneralhome.com).