Thomas L. "Titch" Titchenal Jr., 60, passed away on Friday, Jan. 7, 2011, at Gaston Memorial Hospital in Gastonia, N.C.

He was born March 3, 1950, in Alton, the son of Thomas and Phyllis (Bower) Titchenal Sr.

He married the former Deborah Sitton on Oct. 8, 1969, in Alton. She survives.

Titch served his country in the Navy during the Vietnam War for nine years, serving on the nuclear submarine Sam Houston. He worked at Duke Power in the mechanical maintenance department and an instructor. He enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren and family and loved dirt track racing.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his father; three sons and their spouses, Thomas L. Titchenal III and spouse, Teressa, of Rock Hill, S.C., and their two children, Tamyra and Thomas L. Titchenal IV, Michael Shane Titchenal and spouse, Crystal, of Rock Hill, Greg Bradford of Liberty, S.C.; one sister, Lucinda Tom and spouse, Art, of Tuscon, Ariz.; four brothers, Roger Titchenal of Alton, Joe Titchenal and spouse, Penny, of Bethalto, Bob Titchenal of Benld, Danny Titchenal and spouse, Patricia, of Bethalto; and longtime friend, Linda Bradford of Liberty, S.C.

He was preceded in death by his mother.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton, where services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 14. The Rev. Nicole Cox will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto, where military rites will be conducted by the Ritual Team of the Alton VFW Post 1308.

Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association.

Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com