Todd Wayne Warren

Chief Todd Wayne Warren, 55, passed away early Thanksgiving morning - November 28, 2024 - at his home in Texarkana, Arkansas, after kissing his wife and children goodnight for the final time. Their grief is tempered only by the knowledge that they were able to spend his final days with him sharing love, gratefulness, and the opportunity to say goodbye.

Todd was born on March 3, 1969, with a servant’s heart and lived his life in pursuit of justice, compassion, and community. He was a lifelong and devout Methodist who believed wholeheartedly that he was called to police work as a ministry. He was a certified Lay Minister and often preached and led worship at various North District UMC’s of the Texas Annual Conference. His faith in God was steadfast throughout his life.

A dedicated law enforcement officer of 32 years, Todd began his career in Texarkana, Texas, before serving as an internal affairs investigator for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. He then began his career as Chief of Police for multiple school districts and universities in Texas, Alabama, and Louisiana. Known as “Chief Todd”, he built departments that prioritized community policing, victims’ services, and compassionate leadership. In 2015 he was honored as a finalist for the National Campus Director of the Year Award by Campus Safety Magazine for his transformative work in campus safety. Todd successfully advocated for legislation in Alabama to grant higher education institutions their own police forces and established groundbreaking 24/7 multidisciplinary sexual assault response teams that minimized trauma and encouraged reporting. Todd’s work was more than a career; it was a ministry of love. He developed programs to empower young women, supported victims with dignity and respect, and ensured that every officer under his leadership exemplified compassion and patience.

In December, 2022, Todd was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor. Despite his diagnosis, Todd approached his battle with remarkable strength and resilience, undergoing grueling surgery and radiation treatments and then returning to his work. For six months Todd and his family thought that his battle had been won. Unfortunately, the tumors returned in May of 2024.

On November 21, 2024, Todd reluctantly retired as Director of Public Safety/Chief of Police at Loyola University New Orleans. His absence will be felt by administration, staff, and students alike. The memory of his caring demeanor and welcoming smile will remain with all who knew him.

Todd was preceded in death by his father, Joe Warren, in July, 2023, and his mother, Rosemary Warren, in July of 2024. He leaves behind his beloved and heartbroken family: his wife and children, Lesa Smith Warren, Trevor Warren and Sydney Warren; his younger brother and best friend, Eric Warren; and amazing sister-in-law, niece, and nephews; Melissa Warren, Ally Warren, Carter Brooks, Joseph Warren, and Samuel Warren. He also leaves behind countless friends, coworkers and colleagues, all of whom were in his heart and thoughts to the end.

A visitation will be held at 6pm- 8pm on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Williams Memorial United Methodist Church, 4000 Moores Lane, Texarkana, Texas. A celebration of life for Todd will be held at 2 pm on Friday, December 6, 2024 at Williams Memorial United Methodist Church, followed by interment at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 5101 West 7th Street, Texarkana, Texas. Family and friends are welcome to gather afterwards at the family home at 2107 Beech Street, Texarkana, Arkansas.

Condolences may be left at www.eastfuneralhome.com