of Little Rock, AR
June 25, 1970 - August 13, 2022
Gary Todd Plaster, 52, formerly of Walton, Indiana passed away on Saturday, August 13, 2022 in North Little Rock, Arkansas after being struck by a vehicle while assisting a motorist.
Todd was born on June 25, 1970 in Brooke, Indiana to Gary H. Plaster and Mary Sue Plaster (nee Elgas). He graduated from Lewis Cass High School in 1988; the United States Air Force Academy in 1992; and earned a Master of Aeronautical Science degree with distinction from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2001.
Todd married the love of his life, Martha Marie Plaster (nee McElroy), in 1997 after they met in Columbus, Mississippi during his pilot training at Columbus Air Force Base. Years later, they moved to Pisa, Italy, where they lived from 2004 to 2006 while Todd participated in an exchange assignment with Aeronautica Militare (the Italian Air Force). Following his assignment, Todd and Martha returned to the United States and settled in Little Rock, Arkansas, where Todd continued to serve in the United States Air Force, while Martha achieved her dream of becoming a physical therapist. Todd retired from the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2012, after serving for twenty years.
Following his retirement, Todd continued to work at Detachment 3, Air Force Air Mobility Command for ten years as an expert on C-130 flight simulators. He was passionate about pilot flight training, and the impact of his work has been felt by the tens of thousands of U.S. and international C-130 aircrews who have trained at Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB) over the past decade. Certainly, his impact will continue to be felt in many years to come.
Anyone who knew Todd knew that he lived by the credo "work hard, play hard." He was a passionate collector of hobbies alongside his soulmate of twenty-five years, Martha Marie. They spent their free time caring for their dogs, visiting family, cycling in Italy, running 5Ks along the Mississippi Gulf Coast while stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, and most recently restoring and taking cross-country road trips in his air-cooled Porsche with other aficionados turned new-found friends.
Todd is survived by his parents, and his wife Martha Marie of Little Rock, with whom he celebrated a twenty-five year anniversary on April 26, 2022. Additionally, he leaves behind his mother-in-law, Tallulah A. Redding; Julie Colmer (wife of Gary Plaster); many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins; and two canine children Ben and Mocha, who would be the first to say they were lucky to have Todd as family. Todd is also survived by many nieces and nephews who he spoiled rotten, much to the dismay of his sisters, Christa Wood (Bryan); Nikki Plaster (Mike Bialecki); and sister-in-law Allison Walker (Adam).
Todd's youthful love of life, his kindness and eagerness to help others, as well as his sharp humor and intellect will always be an inspiration to those who knew him.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 26, 2022, at Fellowship Bible Church Midtown location (1200 N. Mississippi Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72227), beginning with a private family visitation from 2:00-2:30 p.m., followed by a public visitation from 2:30-3:00 p.m. The service will begin at 3:00 p.m., with a reception to conclude. Inurnment with Military Honors will be held at the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery on November 22, 2022 at 1:00pm.
As Todd would be the first to point out his wife's inability to keep plants of any kind alive, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to K9s for Warriors at k9sforwarriors.org.
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56 Condolence(s)
Donna Boyce
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Strength & comfort to your family, Todd. You were a class act.
True Blue '92 Classmate.
Catherine Beach
Thursday, September 15, 2022
Martha, I send my deepest condolences together with recollection of the fond memories I have of Todd and you in my class at DLI. It seems like yesterday that you and Todd graduated and went to Pisa, where I last saw you both when I and my husband were visiting our daughter, Desiree, who was going to spend a year at the Univ. of Pavia. All so long ago but just seems like yesterday! Your class picture adorns our dining room wall, and today I again looked with great fondness at all of you. Please know you are in my thoughts, having had the wonderful opportunity to know Todd and you and to hold you both as close friends. Much love, Caterina
Debbie hall
Sunday, September 4, 2022
Martha, my deepest sympathy to you in the passing of Todd. I will never forget when he came to a spin class you were teaching at NLRAClub and we nicknamed him Mr. Martha. You are in my prayers at this difficult time.
Stacey Swanson
Thursday, September 1, 2022
Thinking of you ♥️♥️ There are no words. Sending hugs.
Susan Moneyhon
Thursday, September 1, 2022
Martha, Carl and I are so sorry to learn of your husband's death. We have been thinking about you and holding you in our hearts.
Kimberly Novak
Wednesday, August 31, 2022
So very sorry to hear of Todd's passing. I worked with him for almost 5 years and he was a great man who loved his wife, the mission of the job, and life & the people around him. Prayers for family.
Rick anderson
Tuesday, August 30, 2022
So glad I got to meet him.
Kristie Olson
Sunday, August 28, 2022
My deepest condolences!! I am so sorry to hear this news. Big hug Martha!! I hope the treasured stories and memories carry you all through the hard road ahead.
Monica Weigle
Saturday, August 27, 2022
Very sorry for your loss. May he rest In peace.
Jay
Saturday, August 27, 2022
Martha,
Broken hearted for you. You'll be in my prayers.
Deeanne Whitlow
Friday, August 26, 2022
My heart aches for you Martha Marie! My prayers and heart are with you.
Maureen & Jim Doolittle
Friday, August 26, 2022
Rest easy, Todd….job well done.
Tom & Carolyn Teeter
Friday, August 26, 2022
Martha, we're wishing you comfort in the days ahead and great memories to hold forever.
Rick anderson
Friday, August 26, 2022
So glad I got to meet him.
Tim Luckenbach
Friday, August 26, 2022
So sad . I am not surprised Todd was trying to assist a fellow human being at the end. Truly he was always the modern version of the good Samaritan in all he did.
Air Commodore (retd) M. Ayub Jabir SLAF
Friday, August 26, 2022
Dear Todd,
My Classmate and Squadron mate. Such a gentle and feeling man. May your soul rest in peace. My condolences to your family.
La Juana Whyte
Friday, August 26, 2022
Martha, I am so saddened and so very sorry to hear of Todd's death, so tragic. My heart breaks for you. Thinking of you with loving care and sympathy.
Bruce Walters
Thursday, August 25, 2022
Martha, Please know that the Air National Guard C-130 community mourn's Todd's passing with you. Todd's dedication, diligence, and his love for his fellow C-130 aviators set the compass point for how he approached his craft. His efforts leave a profound impact on the USAF C-130J Flight Simulator Program that will be everlasting. May God in His infinite wisdom provide you and his family the strength faith to overcome this most difficult time. "Greater love hath no man ..." John 15:13
Anne Broadwater
Thursday, August 25, 2022
Martha, I knew Todd only through your stories. Your profound love for him is evident to all who know you. That love lives on. I hope you feel the love & prayers surrounding you through this storm. Lean on your faith, foremost, family and friends. The prayers are a sign of our faith in God's continuous care as we lift you up to the heart of our savior.
Rick and Trish Cain
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
Rick and I are grieving with you Martha.
We rejoice in the 25 years that you shared together and trust in God's promises of eternal life with Him. May you be wrapped in peace and Love that surpasses all understanding.
Kelsey Richters
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
Martha,
I am so sorry to hear about your tragic loss. No words can fix the pain you are feeling. I will be continuing to think of you and pray for you. Sending you love and hugs during this heartbreaking time.
Kelsey
Hassan Dehmani
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
Rest In Peace, Todd.
USAFA, class of 1992.
Alvan & Amye Kelly
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
We are so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. Please know that we will continue to pray for you & family in the coming months. Our son, Chris and my brother Cal Wilkins (Linda) are also sad for this news.
Ron and Karin Bara
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
May his memory be a blessing
Susan Brown
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Martha, I have not ceased to pray for you. I wish I had known Todd...he sounds absolutely wonderful. I am so glad you had the years you did and I will be praying for you. Please reach out if you should ever feel you want to. Us Mississippi girls have to stick together.
USAFA Class of 1992
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
As a class, True Blue '92 is gutted to learn of Todd's passing. Please accept our condolences. We will miss our brother.
(Per USAFA tradition) Here's a toast to the host
Of those who love the vastness of the sky...
Debbie Worthington
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Martha, I am keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss.
Quonset Sim JMATS Team
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Todd's expertise, cooperative spirit, and friendly demeanor will be missed. Our sincere condolences to his family and many friends.
Paramjit Singh
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
I feel very fortunate to have known you and to have worked with you. You were a great person at heart and will be missed dearly. It still does not feel real. May you rest in peace. And may your family and friends have the strength to bear this tragic loss.
DREA GARCIA
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Todd was a pleasure to work with. My deepest condolences to Martha and their family. Todd will be truly missed by the AMC and C130 community.
Kevin Wattelet
Monday, August 22, 2022
It was an absolute pleasure to work with you. You tirelessly worked to make my company's product better. We are all better off having had the opportunity to work and better yet get to know you. Rest easy my friend.
Jane & Scott Levine
Monday, August 22, 2022
Martha, we are heartbroken to hear the news about Todd. Please know that you and his family are in our thoughts and prayers. What a kind and giving man he was. May his memory be a blessing to all those who knew him. Sending you hugs.
Rosalind Benedict-Friedah
Monday, August 22, 2022
Todd
It was a pleasure knowing you and working with you at CAE.
I will miss my Chai tea.
RIP
Jamica Garrison
Monday, August 22, 2022
Sincerest condolences to family, friends, and colleagues. May part of his servant leadership and legacy live on in each of us. Continued blessings and prayers during this difficult time.
Travis Shoemaker
Monday, August 22, 2022
I served with no Officer more professional than Todd. He will be sorely missed by everyone he knew.
Uno Ab Alto My friend.
Jay Howard Cook
Monday, August 22, 2022
Todd was persistent and loyal. If too many weeks or months had passed where we hadn't caught up, he always sought me out to rectify that situation. I fondly remember several road trips to Michigan during our college summers. I will not forget those heartfelt man-to-man conversations staring out across Lake Michigan. I consider myself extremely blessed to have crossed paths with Todd.
Mark Hutten
Sunday, August 21, 2022
God bless you and your family Todd!
Jan Snell
Sunday, August 21, 2022
Praying for comfort. From Snellville
Keenan Cook
Sunday, August 21, 2022
RIP Todd. You'll be missed. Every time I take the 911 out I'm going to think of you. It was a pleasure meeting you at the ralley. We had some fun together.
Roy Dudley
Sunday, August 21, 2022
Such sad news. Gary was such a great guy. He had a smile for everyone. Martha I'm holding you close to my heart.
MD Herald
Sunday, August 21, 2022
Rest In Peace, Todd. We'll think of you every time we fire up our old cars and head out on an adventure.
Mike Shireley
Sunday, August 21, 2022
I am so sorry Gary
Julie Colmer
Sunday, August 21, 2022
I know you are an Angel in heaven, helping others as you always did down here. Rest In Peace Todd. Love and Miss You Always.
Kathy and David Bauman
Sunday, August 21, 2022
Oh Martha we are thinking of you. We have saved 2 good hugs that we owe you and we will deliver them whenever you are ready! Much love.
DARRELL PENN
Sunday, August 21, 2022
Todd had a profoundly positive experience in my life, his ability to encourage you to achieve the best goals and wisdom will be missed. His friendship was the best! So very grateful for getting to know him and will miss him immensely. April and I are praying for comfort to Martha Marie and family, friends during this transition.
Don Copeland
Sunday, August 21, 2022
Todd was a great man and mentor. I enjoyed working along side of him during my 4 years at Det 3. You'll be missed my brother!
Thomas Parker
Sunday, August 21, 2022
It was an honor to have known and to have served with Todd at Keesler AFB and here at Little Rock. He truly will be missed!!! Rest Easy brother!!!
Mark Parsons
Sunday, August 21, 2022
Todd touched so many lives in the very best way. I'm grateful I got the honor to know him as a friend and co-worker.
RICHARD HAGUE
Sunday, August 21, 2022
Rest in peace Todd.
Beth Darby
Sunday, August 21, 2022
Praying for God's peace and comfort during this time. May you feel His presence and love that only He can give.
Joe sAnn Teeter
Sunday, August 21, 2022
Dear Martha,
We all are so very sorry to hear of Todd's death. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers each day. Stay strong and know you are loved by so many.
Joe and Ann Teeter
Tallulah A Redding
Sunday, August 21, 2022
Martha Marie you know how much l Love you and l Loved Todd. I will miss him so much but he will always be in my heat. Love Mama
Jon Wilson and Burgess Dell-Wilson
Sunday, August 21, 2022
We will greatly miss you, Todd. Your life is such an inspiration. You are forever in our hearts!
Robin DeHaven
Sunday, August 21, 2022
Martha my sincere condolences and prayers to you and your family,
Todd was a wonderful man
wendy s moursi
Sunday, August 21, 2022
Dear Sweet Martha, my heart goes out to you on the loss of your husband! May the sorrow you feel in your heart be wrapped in the love and care of those who surround you - family and friends alike. Im keeping you in my thoughts,
Wendy
Pat Hitt
Sunday, August 21, 2022
Oh Martha , my heart hurts for you.