Todd Edward Whitten

Todd Edward Rex Whitten, 47, of Linndale, Ohio, formerly of Princeton, WV passed away on August 18, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Todd was born in Willoughby, Ohio on September 12, 1974. He was the son of Les Whitten of Mentor, OH and Dixie Whitten of Princeton, WV. Todd was a 1992 graduate of Princeton High School. He received his undergraduate degree at Concord University in Athens, WV where he graduated Cum Laude in 1996. He was the recipient of the David S. Roth Award for Outstanding English major and his professors had nicknamed him the “Renaissance Man”. As a child, he enjoyed collecting baseball cards, watching movies, and reading. His hobbies expanded to writing, literature, playing guitar, collecting books, records, old movies and movie posters as he got older. Throughout his school aged years, he was recognized for his gifted mind and high intellect. Take heed, Todd was a lyrical poet. He composed stories, poems, song lyrics, novels and films. When he wasn’t writing, he was at the theater, reading, visiting the library, or listening to or creating his own music. Often, he would write critiques of the films he watched and books he read. He played in a local band called 80 Proof while he was in college. After obtaining his undergraduate degree, he moved to the Cleveland, OH area and managed a bookstore in Tremont. He was lovingly known as the local “bookworm” by many clients. He also enrolled in Cuyahoga Community College where he took film classes. He spent many years working at the West Side Market and was the wildly popular “Crepe Nazi” at City Roast. There were constantly long lines of folks waiting to get their masterfully crafted crepe. That’s where he met longtime girlfriend, Nicola. He also hosted trivia nights and other social events around Cleveland with his buddy, Jake. In 2016, he entered politics and was elected as a City Council member at the Village of Linndale. His wardrobe consisted of a long black sleeve button up shirt, khaki pants and sometimes, a beanie. He was a man of both simplicity and complexity. Stoic yet silly. Smart and funny. His mind was his greatest burden and his greatest gift. Hard-driving rock music of the seventies was a favorite genre of late but he had an appreciation for all types. A more recent favorite lyric was “Optimism doesn’t change the facts, just what you’re gonna see”. As he always enjoyed a good debate he retorted with “But the upside, which the writer either doesn’t mention or assumes is implied, is that the same holds true for pessimism”. An obituary can’t capture the depth, talents and accomplishments of this eclectic and enigmatic beast.

Survivors include mother, Dixie “Dickie” Whitten of Princeton, WV; father, Les (Sue) Whitten of Mentor, OH; sister, Krista (Jim) Toutant of Chardon, OH; niece, Jenna Toutant and nephew, Joshua Toutant also of Chardon, OH. He has many aunts, uncles and cousins living in OH, WV and SC. He also had many friends in Cleveland and West Virginia that are going to miss his epic self.

Local arrangements are being handled by Davis-Babcock Funeral Home in Willoughby, OH. Memorial services are pending for a later date locally and in Princeton, WV.

Todd was an avid pet lover. He rescued several cats over the years and the family recommends a donation in Todd’s name to your local animal shelter or Rescue Village, in Russell Township, OH New General Donation Form for RV Website (rescuevillage.org) in lieu of flowers or other gifts. The family is considering other outlets to celebrate Todd’s memory in the form of a scholarship and will be announced when details are finalized.

“And I’m walking home,
My last bus is gone,
But I’m dancing in the moonlight”

Peace out and rest easy son, brother, uncle and friend. You will forever be loved and treasured.