In Loving Memory of Rev. Father Wilmer “Willie” Todd

With deep sadness, yet with firm hope in the Resurrection, friends, family, brother priests, and former parishioners received the news that Rev. Father Wilmer “Willie” Todd passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Legacy of Lafourche Nursing and Rehabilitation. Born on November 27, 1938, he was 86 years old and had suffered from a long illness.
 
His Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, October 17, at St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux, followed by burial in the Priest Mausoleum at St. Joseph Cemetery.
 
“Father Willie” was ordained a priest on December 21, 1963, and served the people of what would become the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux for more than 60 years. Over the course of his priesthood, he ministered in numerous parishes and was the founding pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Thibodaux. His assignments included:
 
• Associate Pastor, St. Joseph, Chauvin (1964–1968)
 • Founding Pastor, St. Thomas Aquinas (1970–1979)
 • Pastor, Holy Cross (1979–1987)
 • Pastor, St. Bernadette (1987–1998)
 • Pastor, St. Genevieve (1998–2007)
 • Pastor, St. Luke (2002–2007)
 • Retired (2007–2014)
 • In Residence, St. Joseph, Chauvin (2014–2017)
 • Chaplain, Journey Hospice (Agape Care Group) (2009–2022)
 • Chaplain, St. Joseph Manor (2022–2025)
 
Father Todd served not only as a pastor, but in many other capacities as well. Over the years, he worked as a school counselor, served as principal of both Holy Cross Elementary and Central Catholic High School, and sat on the boards of several community organizations, including Terrebonne General Medical Center.
 
Father Willie was also a prolific writer. For many years he wrote faith-based columns that ran in seven newspapers throughout the diocese. From those writings he later published a book titled What a Life! Daily Readings for a Holistic Spiritual Life, drawn from his long-running column, also titled “What a Life!” The book gathers a large selection of his roughly 800 articles into daily spiritual reflections. A digital copy is available through Blurb, an online bookstore, and proceeds benefit the Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana, which supports the ministries, parishes, and schools of our diocese.
 
Throughout his retirement, Father Willie remained a joyful and faith-filled priest who brought the light of Christ wherever he went. He continued to serve as a pastoral guide with unwavering dedication to the lay faithful and frequently stepped in to celebrate Mass and assist with other sacramental duties across the diocese.
 
Please join us in praying for the repose of Father Willie’s soul, and for the consolation of his family, friends, and all who loved him.
 
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.