Leo Emerson Tickner

Leo Emerson Tickner died at home Tuesday, December 6, 2016 with his cherished family by his side. Services will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church on Friday, December 9, 2016 at 2:00 pm, with visitation held prior from 12:30 pm until service time. Interment will follow at Parkway Memorial Cemetery in Ridgeland, MS.

Leo was born in Oklahoma City, OK, May 17, 1938, to the late Robert D. and Lucile E. Tickner. The middle of three brothers, he was preceded in death by his beloved younger brother, Charles Edwin Tickner. He moved to Jackson, MS at an early age and embraced Jackson as his home for the rest of his life. He attended Power Elementary, Bailey Junior High, Central High, and graduated from Murrah High School with the class of ’57.

Leo was the consummate “people person”, never meeting a stranger and having a word of encouragement for all. This gentle man, a gentleman among gentlemen, will be missed by all who came in contact with him. Growing up in the Belhaven neighborhood, steeped in Jackson history, he attended both Galloway Memorial Methodist Church and First Baptist Church.

He graduated from Mississippi State University where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Leo proudly served in the MS Air National Guard. He married Jerry Hall, the love of his life, at Trinity Presbyterian Church and has been a long-time member there, serving as a deacon and participating regularly in the life of his church family. He particularly enjoyed camaraderie with the members of the Fellowship Sunday School Class.

His family was the most important thing to him, and his pride and joy was his son, Dooney and his daughter, Holly. A gifted artist, he quickly produced many an old barn, tractor, or gas station with the stroke of a pen. Professionally, Leo was a partner in Custom Products Corp. at Flowood, MS. Serving of late as Vice President in Sales, his work was his pleasure-his golfing, hunting, fishing all wrapped up in one-his employees, partners, and customers-his friends. Of course, his Lord Jesus Christ was the guiding force in his life as he shared with his family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and anyone he came in contact with.

His forte was encouragement, serving as a mentor to many. He had a great respect for the military, law enforcement, and this country represented often by the American flag. He had a lifelong love of the classic American automobile, as well as airplanes. In sum, he loved life and loved sharing life with his fellow man.

When faced with a cancer diagnosis, he determined to use the time given to him to witness. Thanks go to Dr. Grace Shumaker and the team of doctors she assembled to help make this journey possible. As well, the family would like to thank all the staff and nurses at Jackson Oncology and the nurses and staff of Mississippi Baptist Medical Center on “5-D”; he considered y’all “family”. Thanks also to Sta-Home Health and Hospice.

In addition to his parents and brother, Leo was preceded in death by his much-loved and respected father-in-law, Harold H. Hall (“Mr. Hall”) as well as cherished friends, Howard Barron, and brothers Arthur and William White.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Jerry H. Tickner; son, Leo E. “Dooney” Tickner, Jr.; daughter, Holly L. Tickner; brother and sister-in-law, Robert D. and Elizabeth Tickner; mother-in-law, Freddie B. Hall (“Mrs. Hall”); nephews Bobby (Jennifer), James (Stephanie), and William (Missy); Hartwell, Robert, George; and nieces, Emily, Zoe, and Alle.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church Missions Fund or Gateway Rescue Mission.