Lt. Col. Otis Keith Tichenor

Lt Col (Retired) Otis Keith Tichenor, USAF, peacefully passed on May 7, 2016 with his loving daughter Louise by his side. He was 92. Col Tichenor was a veteran of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. He served our country for over 27 years.

Born to Herbert and Anna Tichenor in Muscoda, Wisconsin, Col Tichenor enlisted in the Army in 1942 at age 18 and left his job as a welder for Lenthem Smith Shipbuilding. Shortly after his enlistment as a private, he was selected for the Aviation Cadet Program and was commissioned a Lieutenant with a specialty as a navigator. Col Tichenor flew 29 combat missions over Germany, the last with the 466 Bomb Group, Attlebridge, England. After the war, Col Tichenor married the love of his life, Mary, his bride for 68 years until her passing two years ago. While attending the University of Wisconsin at Madison and studying mechanical engineering, he was recalled to active duty at Sandia Air Base. He then served as weapons officer and navigator in the B-29 and B-47 aircraft. With overseas tours in Libya, France, and Germany, Col Tichenor worked various positions as weapons officer, maintenance officer, and squadron commander.

Col Tichenor retired from Holloman AFB, New Mexico, and moved to El Paso in 1970. Here he worked as a real estate and then insurance agent. He subsequently was employed as an auditor, appraiser, and property inspector for Equifax with Atwood, Vogel and Sterling. Upon his final retirement, Col Tichenor became a small animal enthusiast and amateur botanist. Both Col Tichenor and his wife Mary were actively involved in St Matthew's Parish, as Eucharistic Ministers, and feeding the hungry. Col Tichenor remained at home after Mary's passing and received compassionate care by health care professionals.

Col Tichenor was blessed with his wife Mary, two daughters, Elizabeth (Bobby), Louise (Michael), six grandchildren, James (Tammy), Brent, Sarah(Erika), Jenny (Nick), Josh (Kelsey) and Matt (Gretchin) along with five great grandchildren, Gabe, Jed, Caden, Jillian, and Ariana.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 10, 2016 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm with a Rosary at 7:00 pm at Martin Funeral Home West Chapel. A Memorial Mass will be held Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at St. Matthew Catholic Church 400 W. Sunset Rd. El Paso, TX. 79922. A Graveside Service to follow at 2:00 pm at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Fort Bliss, TX. 79906. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home West. www.martinfuneralhomewest.com