Bob Tichenor

This isn’t your standard obituary, but our Dad wasn’t an ordinary guy.

Bob Tichenor, fondly known as “Hoosier Bob” on 1400 am radio in Champaign, IL, passed away on February 11, 2026. He lived his life with guts, grit, and a whole lot of heart.

Born to Mary and Thomas, Bob found his rightful place alongside his brothers, Jack, Tom, and Ray. The boys kept their mother on her toes with a tireless propensity for mischief; they couldn’t be tamed, but their charm lay in their unbreakable bond. The family eventually left Louisville as Thomas rose through the ranks at Kraft—making homes in St. Louis and Indianapolis before finally returning to Louisville.

Many years later, Bob would attend Indiana University. While his academic life was short lived, his love for the town of Bloomington, the school, the students— and, most importantly, the athletics—would prove everlasting. His heart, though repeatedly broken by the football team, was finally made whole when his beloved Hoosiers recently claimed the National Championship.

Moving into life after college, Bob began a budding career as the owner of a Phillips 66 gas station before transitioning into car sales, where his success earned him several awards and an eventual promotion to manager. He then joined the family business, T.I.S. Bookstore, founded by his brother Jack. He climbed his way up the career ladder, despite his struggles in school and lack of confidence in his abilities. He never thought himself a smart or well-liked man, but testimonies from his loved ones, friends, and even former employees throughout the years would speak a different truth.

Although he didn’t see it (or didn’t admit it) he was beloved by many. He treated others with kindness and respect, and he always expected the same in return. He loved his family and his siblings fiercely, and he carried that same spirit throughout his life. If he trusted you—if he genuinely liked you—he adopted you as his own without question.

Bob’s journey into fatherhood began with his marriage to Joyce Cantrell, welcoming his eldest daughters, Terri and Tammy, into the world. As life evolved, he eventually found his way to the love of his life, Linda Sue. With her genuine kindness and grace, her inner and outer beauty, Bob was changed in the best way when he met her—his forever bride with whom he would spend the rest of his days. The family circle was completed years later when Rob, Brooke, and Lauren came into the world. Bob was a family man through and through, the pride of his kids always evident in his attendance at games and extracurricular activities.

Our Dad, Bob, was a multidimensional man who led his life with love and devotion. What made him unique—what made him “him”—was his resolve, his ability to get back up, despite being knocked down many times throughout his life.

Until the very end he was a fighter. A man of faith and integrity who struggled with his own inner demons, but who still made space for others— making people feel supported and seen, even in the days leading up to his passing. Until his last breath, he showed his heart, constantly extending appreciation to the staff at Allisonville Meadows and Anew Hospice who cared for him until his final day.

As we reflect on his life, we extend our deepest gratitude to those who knew and loved him. Thank you for being a part of his life and making it better. Thank you for making him better because of your presence. We believe he left this world with a peaceful, thankful heart. And what a good, strong heart it was for 91 years.

Dad—Hoosier Bob—as you would often say throughout your life, “Somedays peanuts, somedays shells”, and today is most definitely a shell. Life will not be the same without you—but your memory, your character, your legacy, lives on in all those who had the good fortune to know and love you.

Rest in sweet, eternal peace, Husband/Dad/Pop. We love you. Forever and always.

Go Hoosiers.

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Bob is preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Mary, and brothers Jack, Tom, and Ray. He is survived by his beloved wife Linda, his children Terri, Tammy, Rob, Brooke, and Lauren, and his many grandchildren whom he adored with his whole heart.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, with a Celebration of Bob's Life at 1:00pm, on Friday, June 5, 2026 at Randall & Roberts Fishers Mortuary, 12010 Allisonville Road, in Fishers, Indiana.

In honor of Linda, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 50 E 91st Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240 (www.alz.org/indiana).

Condolences: www.randallroberts.com