HISTORY

Our History

In April 1907, Walter B. Todd founded the firm known today as Todd Memorial Chapel. Impressed by the hospitality and friendliness of Pomona's citizens, as well as the opportunities the growing community offered to those who wished to build their lives there, Mr. Todd envisioned creating an institution that reflected the compassion, kindness, and understanding of the community it served. Through caring, neighborly service, he sought to establish an organization that would become a source of comfort to families and a credit to the community.


From its earliest years, Todd Memorial Chapel earned a position of leadership in the funeral profession throughout the Pomona Valley and the State of California. As the community grew, so did the chapel. Facilities were expanded, and additional staff members joined the organization. Mr. Todd carefully selected his associates not only for their professional abilities, but also for their genuine commitment to serving families and actively participating in community life.


When Walter B. Todd passed away in 1933, active management of the organization was assumed by his son, John R. Todd, who continued his father's vision with the same dedication to expanding the services and support offered to the community. Following John R. Todd's sudden passing in 1947, his sons, Richard K. "Dick" Todd and John W. "Jack" Todd, together with Lawrence C. Smith, carried forward the legacy established by Walter B. and John R. Todd.


Following the retirements of Dick and Jack Todd, the fourth generation assumed leadership as John R. Todd, along with Jack's son-in-law, Keith E. Pewe, continued the family's tradition of compassionate service. Today, Todd Memorial Chapel is proudly led by the fifth generation of family ownership, with Brian Pewe and Mitchell Todd carrying forward a legacy that spans more than a century.


Throughout its history, Todd Memorial Chapel has remained committed to providing meaningful, compassionate funeral care at fair and reasonable prices, ensuring that families from all walks of life have access to the services they need. After 119 years of continuous service, Todd Memorial Chapel remains family-owned and operated, proudly serving families of all faiths, cultures, and traditions, while working with all cemeteries. Guided by the same principles established in 1907, the chapel continues its commitment to caring for every family with dignity, respect, and personal attention.

Vintage sepia photo of a horse-drawn wagon parked in front of a two-story house
Vintage delivery truck parked on a street in front of houses
Vintage white ambulance car with boxy body and large spoked wheels, side view on dark background
Vintage house with palm trees and an old car parked in front.
Sepia-toned courtyard with arched colonnade, tiled roof, and palm trees framing a historic building.
Interior of a small chapel with wooden pews, exposed beams, a pulpit, and an altar at the far end.
Vintage black luxury car parked in front of a stucco building with arched doorways
Seven people in suits posing outside the Todd & Reeves storefront under arched columns.
Vintage bedroom with twin bed, chair, and hanging lamp in a sparse black-and-white room
Sepia-toned living room with wooden ceiling beams, fireplace, rocking chairs, and rugs
Black-and-white photo of a building with palm trees and a row of parked vintage cars
Black-and-white living room with sofas, fireplace, chairs, and a piano in the background
Vintage car parked under palm trees on a sunny street, seen in side view with its interior exposed.
Black-and-white view of a palm-lined suburban house with a fountain and arched porch.
Black-and-white photo of a mid-century motel with palm trees and parked classic cars at the curb