Robert Lee Tichenor, 95, longtime resident of Valley Falls and most recently a resident at Atria Homes in Topeka, died Sunday, January 24, 2010, at Midland Hospice in Topeka, Kansas.
Lee was born on Jan. 11, 1915, at Whitman, Nebraska, to C.R. and Elizabeth Tichenor. He graduated from Hyannis High School and later moved with his family to Kansas. Lee married Lola Rolin on March 30, 1941 at Muddy Creek Church, north of Meriden, and they operated a dairy farm for many years near Valley Falls. Lee and Lola were founding members of Calvary Baptist Church in Valley Falls.
He is survived by his wife, Lola, Topeka; four daughters, Lucy (Robert) Benortham of Overbrook, Karla (Jerry) Alkire of Derby, Nora (Daniel) Lovely of Norwalk, IA, and Mary (Steve) Shipps of Topeka; a brother, Roy Tichenor, and two sisters, Ruby Carter and Beth Quigley, all of Topeka; 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Lee was well known and admired for his love for God, family, and music. His life was a legacy and an inspiration to all those he touched. To say that he will be missed is greatly understated.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, January 26, 2010, at Calvary Baptist Church in Valley Falls. Burial will be at the Valley Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be at Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Monday. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International or Calvary Baptist Church of Valley Falls and sent in care of the funeral home, 810 Broadway, Valley Falls, KS 66088. Online condolences are at mercerfuneralhomes.com