Dr. Robert H. Ticknor

March 30, 1913 - December 28, 2017

Dr. Robert H. Ticknor, 104, of St. Joseph, long time optometrist, died Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at the Whitcomb Tower in St. Joseph. Services celebrating his life will be held in the Spring at the St. Joseph First Congregational Church. Arrangements are by the Fairplain Chapel of Florin Funeral Service in Benton Township. Memorials may be made to the St. Joseph Public Library or Grace Hospice of Kalamazoo/Portage. Please share messages, memories or photos at www.florin.net. Dr. Bob was born on March 30, 1913 in Racine, WI to Harry and Anna Ticknor. His family moved to the area when he was 7 years old. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1932 and then attended Cornell University and Northern College of Optometry. Dr. Bob opened his practice in 1938 and except for his years of service in the US Navy during WWII had his practice for over 60 years in St. Joseph. Several years after opening his practice his brother, George, joined him. During WWII he served on several hospital ships and witnessed the Japanese Surrender in Tokyo from his ship. Dr. Bob always wanted to see the American Flag flying. After the war they reopened their practice. Together they practiced for over 57 years. Dr. Bob and his family were long time members of the St. Joseph First Congregational Church. Dr. Bob was elected to the Berrien County Board of Supervisors in 1947 and served for 18 years with the last two years as Chairman. He was a life member and Past President of the MI Optometric Association and a life member and a Past President of the MI Chapter of the American Optometric Association. He was also a life member of the Masons and Elks and was a member of the Krasl Art Center. With his interest in cars he was also a member of the SW MI Car Club. Dr. Bob was also elected in 1958 commodore of the S. Joseph River Yacht Club and was recently honored in 2014 as a Grand Marshall of the Blossom Parade. His family includes his niece, Sally Rendell of Chelsea, MI and his nephew, Michael Culby, of Sodus. He was preceded in death by his two daughters, Holly and Judy, and the rest of his family.