Carroll Jay "Cal" Tichenor

Carroll Jay "Cal" Tichenor obituary, McMinnville, OR

Carroll Jay "Cal" Tichenor

Carroll Tichenor Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Macy & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services on Jun. 7, 2024.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Carroll (Cal) Jay Tichenor entered Heaven on June 3rd, 2024 with the fanfare of those that went before him and was surely greeted with cheers of joy. Well done, good and faithful servant. He was 84 years old.
Cal served God, his family and his Country throughout his entire life. He decided at the age of 7 that if you were going to do a job then you should do it to the best of your ability. He set a high standard for himself and this showed up in all areas of his life. His daughters appreciated this quality more in adulthood than when learning their multiplication tables as young girls.
Cal loved Jesus. Even as dementia robbed him of many of his memories, he still met Jesus in prayer daily. Through Jesus Cal learned grace, forgiveness and mercy to compliment his deep desire for justice and the law. He would be the first to tell you that he was not perfect, but he strived to love others and put them first in all circumstances.
Cal earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of Oregon. He worked during college as a communications clerk for the Oregon State Police Office before completing a Law Degree from the University of Oregon School of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of Oregon in 1964
After graduating from law school Cal began his legal career as a commissioned officer for the United States Army Judge Advocate General's Corps. He served in Vietnam and was the lead prosecutor for the My Lai Trial. He received many decorations and honors during his 30 years of active duty and was respected by his peers, subordinates and his commanding officers throughout his military career. He retired from active duty in 1994. For a man that did not particularly enjoy travel, he lived and served with his family in 5 countries and 11 U.S. States.
Cal began his civilian service by working as a Deputy District Attorney, and was eventually elected as a Circuit Court Judge in Yamhill County. He officially retired in 2015 yet continued to serve as a Senior Judge and reluctantly fully retired in 2018 to work on his golf game, cheer on his adored U of O Ducks and spend time with his family.
Cal is survived by his beloved wife Sue, his favorite daughter Dena and her partner Robin, his favorite daughter Dawn and her husband Tom, his favorite daughter Darcy and her husband Andy, his loving son in law Mark, his 16 brilliant grandchildren; Josh, Micaela, Brynna, Mady, Zach, Micah, Gabe, Emma, Elijah, Adrian, Mariah, Lily, Izzy, Ellie, Ella and Ben, 3 amazing great grandchildren; Ekho, Noah and Riley; his two devoted and possibly better golfer brothers Don and John and their lovely wives Carol and Ann and his many talented nieces and nephews.
Graveside services for this wonderful man, who lived a life well lived and was loved by those who knew him, will be held at Willamette National Cemetery with full military and police honors on July 1st at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an organization that is special to your heart.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carroll "Cal", please visit our floral store.

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December 30, 2025

Jeffrey M. Cook posted to the memorial.

September 9, 2025

Everett Urech posted to the memorial.

September 7, 2024

Laurie Rise posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Jeffrey M. Cook

December 30, 2025

I was in Army ROTC with Cal tho he was two years ahead of me. I also made a career of the Army and ran into Cal in the Pentagon when he was the Executive Officer to the Army´s Judge Advocate General. He was surprised when I recognized him but he had been the Cadet Colonel so he was way up there and I was a cadet sergeant. My sincere condolences to Cal´s family. I lost my own wife four years ago to cancer after 55 years of marriage so I know what it feels like to lose a beloved spouse.

Jeff Cook
Colonel, USA, Retired
Gilbert, Arizona

Everett Urech

September 9, 2025

I first met LTC Tichenor at Fort Hood, Texas as he was the SJA for the 1st Cavalry Division. Later, we again saw each other while stationed in Korea. He was an outstanding attorney, officer, and leader. I recall seeking his advice and counsel and always receiving a sound and sage response. He also was a true man of faith and set the example for all.

Everett Urech
LTC(ret) JAGC
Enterprise, Alabama

Laurie Rise

September 7, 2024

Judge Tichenor was the judge the day I was in court for my divorce I am so glad for him he is such a honorable man and I respect him so much wish I could have known him better. So sorry for your loss he will be missed, Laurie Rise

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135 NE Evans St, McMinnville, OR 97128

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Sign Carroll Tichenor's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 30, 2025

Jeffrey M. Cook posted to the memorial.

September 9, 2025

Everett Urech posted to the memorial.

September 7, 2024

Laurie Rise posted to the memorial.