Darrel Reid Tichenor, 83, of Benton passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center.
He was born in Centertown, Kentucky on November 23, 1942 to the late Ed and Alma Tichenor. Darrel was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Western Kentucky University, then went on to work as an Agricultural Extension Agent for the University of Kentucky Extension Office in Bath County, Logan County, and Marshall County.
Darrel was a member of the Lion’s Club and a past Vice-President of the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. He enjoyed keeping busy with a wide variety of hobbies including woodworking, writing stories, cooking and camping. He married the love of his life, Frances Byrd Tichenor, on June 15, 1963. After raising their two children, they spent their time together traveling the world, going as far as China, Australia, and Africa, making memories across the globe. Darrel’s love for travel was only surpassed by two things, his fandom for UK basketball and his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of over 62 years, Frances Byrd Tichenor; one son, Mark Tichenor of Benton; one daughter, Denise Rudolph (Donnie) of Benton; two granddaughters, Abby Fourqurean (John David) of Cadiz and Ashley Anderson (Gene) of Benton; and four grandchildren, Reid Fourqurean, Clayton Fourqurean, Olivia Fourqurean and Blakely Anderson.
Darrel was preceded in death by his parents, Ed Tichenor and Alma Taylor Tichenor; and one brother, Curtis Tichenor.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Collier Funeral Home with Bro. Royce Dukes officiating. Burial will follow in the McNatt Section of Marshall County Memory Gardens.
The visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday, December 19, 2025 at Collier Funeral Home. The family will also welcome guests starting at 11:00 AM until the 1:00 PM service time on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at the funeral home.
