Todd Pendleton – RIP
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The Oklahoman art director, illustrator, cartoonist Todd Pendleton has passed away.
Todd Bryan Pendleton
September 7, 1963 – March 20, 2026
From Caroline McCone and Josh Kelly at The Oklahoman (or here):
The Oklahoman’s Todd Pendleton has highlighted local and national issues through his editorial cartoons, illustrations and data graphics for nearly 40 years.
Pendleton died early March 20 while responding to a structure fire in McClain County in his capacity as a volunteer firefighter with the Goldsby Fire Department. He was 62.
An artist from an early age, Todd began his professional journey with The Oklahoman in 1988. Initially part of the advertising art department, he later transitioned to the editorial department, lending his talents to illustrations and cartoons that graced the opinion and news pages. In recognition of his dedication and skill, he was named art director in 2004. Todd also generously shared his expertise as an adjunct professor, teaching a Graphic in Journalism course at his alma mater. Notably, he was a pioneer in guiding the transition from traditional hand-drawn artistry to the evolving realm of digital illustration and graphic design. Beyond his artistic contributions, Todd was deeply committed to serving his community. For many years, he volunteered with the Goldsby Fire Department, responding selflessly to numerous fire and medical emergencies.
It was as a firefighter responding to an emergency that Todd was involved in a crash that took his life.
The Oklahoman presented a couple dozen 2025 editorial cartoons by Todd Pendleton (read via MSN).
From Peggy Dodd at The Norman Transcript:
Students at the University of Oklahoma and colleagues at The Oklahoman newspaper remembered art director and graphic journalist Todd Pendleton’s nearly 40-year career and visual legacy during a media history course Tuesday.
The Oklahoman devoted three pages to the art of Todd Pendleton as a tribute.
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