Joe Tichota

(From Parker Mortuary)

Caring Father, Good Friend, Loving Grandpa.

Lambert W. “Joe” Tichota, age 87, Joplin, passed away at his home of complications from advanced COPD.

Joe was born August 24, 1934 in West Point, NE, son of the late Joseph L. Tichota and Catherine (Walters) Tichota. He grew up in rural Nebraska and graduated from Beemer High School.

In 1953 he married JoAnn Wegner. Together they raised four chjldren and were married 60 years until JoAnn’s death in 2014.

He worked for years in Chemical Plants in Omaha, NE, Lima, OH, and then in 1961 he moved to Joplin and worked many years at Atlas Chemical and Powder Company. He enjoyed working with the youth, loved football, and was a Pee Wee Football Coach for 15 years with the YMCA. He was also involved with local events. As a former Joplin City Council Member for 12 years he championed the causes of the overlooked and less fortunate in the Joplin area.

He loved the sport of horse racing. He owned, bred, trained, and raced Thoroughbred Horses and followed the sport into his later years. Joe worked at Bordertown Casino in Off-Track betting where he met some great friends including Diana Painter, who was an incredible friend and support and who made it possible for him to follow his wishes and stay in his house for the remainder of his life.

He was an active member of the Elks Lodge in the 1970s-80s, and 90s. He has been a member of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Joplin since 1961.

He was an avid reader. He was a “dyed in the wool” Democrat and kept a passionate interest in current affairs and politics his entire life.

He kept a jolly demeanor even after facing many adversities.

He was a devoted grandfather who really kept in touch with his two grandchildren. He let them know often that they were loved and was very proud of their activities and accomplishments.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Joann C. (Wegner) Tichota who passed on January 14, 2014, a son, Joel R. Tichota, and a daughter, Julie A. Tichota.

Survivors include his daughter, Terry J. Tichota of Las Vegas, NV, and a son, Jon J. Tichota and wife Jennifer Miller of Skokie, IL; grandchildren, Juliana and Lukas Tichota also of Skokie. Surviving siblings are JoAnn Benash of Lincoln, Nebraska, Debra Nolting of Bancroft, Nebraska and Leroy Tichota of Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Memorial services will be held at a later date at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary.