David Leroy Ticknor

It is with profound sadness that the family of David LeRoy Ticknor Jr. announce his passing on October 13, 2023. He was 92 years old.

David was born on July 7, 1931, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Velma and David LeRoy Ticknor. He was the oldest of four children. His younger years were spent on their Kansas farm where he learned the value and lessons of hard work and long hours. It was there, where David earned his nickname Cass, because of his love of westerns and his hero, Hopalong Cassidy. His children were treated to stories of their dad’s adventures on the farm, including ones of his beloved dog, Carlo, and his blind horse, Cricket.

His family moved to Twin Falls, Idaho where David Sr. embarked on a new career as a carpenter. During David’s time in Idaho, he realized he had an incalculable interest and talent in target shooting. After graduating from high school, the Ticknor family moved back to Kansas City, Missouri.

David made the decision to join the military. After basic training in California, he was stationed in Japan. David had the opportunity to be a part of a target shooting team. He was an outstanding and decorated marksman, recognized by both the NRA, as well as the United States Army. Competing riflemen heard stories of David’s shooting abilities and referred to him as “The Shooter from Oppama.” David took pride in that, and rightfully so. It was also during this time that David met his lifelong love, Yoshiko Suehiro, who worked with him on the army base. They were married in Japan in 1956. Before returning to the United States, the young couple welcomed their first child Carol, to their family.

Upon David’s discharge from the military, he brought his wife and baby daughter back to Kansas City. He attended school and worked at a grocery store to support them. Jeff, their second child, was born in Kansas City. Between their two kids, who were born less than a year apart, they had their hands full, but were happy. David loved fishing and held true to his farming roots. David decided that he wanted to return to Idaho and moved the family to Pocatello.

Pocatello was close to some good fishing holes, where he could drop in a line with the company of his kids. He attended Idaho State College, earning a BS in Accounting. Their family kept growing, adding a son, Barry, to the brood. David worked at Pocatello Lumber and Thompson Distributing as their bookkeeper. He also joined the Pocatello Rifle Club, where he taught Hunter’s Safety to the scouts.

David began working at ISU as the Business Manager. His final child, Becky, was born around this same time and the family was complete. The Ticknors moved into a home where there was room for a garden and fruit trees.

He was a remarkably hard and conscientious worker and retired from ISU at the age of 62. While he enjoyed his retirement, he couldn’t ignore his knack for numbers. He began an investment club known as DILIGAF, comprised of friends and ISU colleagues that would meet weekly. He also continued to do taxes for clients, who became friends, for many years.

He served on the Board of Directors at the Idaho State Credit Union, and as the treasurer to the Central Christian Church. He also started a Memorial Scholarship at Idaho State University, in his son Barry’s name.

David is preceded in death by his wife, Yoshiko Ticknor; son, Barry Oliver Ticknor; parents, Velma and David Ticknor; and sister, Lenora Witt.

He is survived by his daughter, Carol (Jeff) Hull; Jeff (Jana) Ticknor; daughter, Becky Ticknor; brother, Ted (Mary) Ticknor of Kansas City, MO; sister, Marilyn Bongiorno of Seal Beach, CA; eleven grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the Central Christian Church, for the prayers and fellowship over the years. Also, all the friends and neighbors who became part of the “family”. A special thanks to Heritage and Copper Summit for the wonderful care they provided David during the time he spent with them.

A celebration of life will be held in David’s honor at 1:00 on Saturday, November 4th, 2023, at Wilks Funeral Home, 211 W Chubbuck Road, Chubbuck, Idaho 83202, with a viewing prior to the service from 12:00-1:00. An evening viewing will be held on Friday, November 4th, 2023, from 6:00- 8:00 pm at Wilks Funeral Home, same location as the service.

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