Paul Edgar Titchenal
Paul Edgar Titchenal, a leader in the field of radio and television engineering, passed away peacefully on December 25th in St. Petersburg at the age of 83. Paul showed great courage and determination through his more than 3 months of hospitalization and medical care.
Born on September 7, 1942, in Alton, Illinois, Paul, affectionately known by his childhood friends and a few special friends as Paulie, discovered his passion for electronics early in life, embarking on a career that spanned over half a century. As a radio and television engineer, he contributed to the industry’s growth, witnessing and shaping technological advancements that transformed the way we connect and communicate. His technical acumen, and commitment to excellence earned him widespread respect among colleagues and industry leaders.
Paul was born to Paul, Sr. and Addie Tharp Titchenal. His sister Donna joined the family almost 3 years later. His father, a farmer in southern Illinois, took advantage of “off season” times to take the family to many places across the country. The Rocky Mountains and Glacier National Park were among the favorites, as were many other places in the western U.S. Maybe his passion for seeing the US came from these many childhood road trips; he was happy and proud to have visited every one of the 50 states. What an accomplishment that few people can claim.
In his first few months of life, Paul had a serious illness (perhaps polio orcerebral dysfunction) that left him with severe physical disabilities. As a young child, he spent many months in the Shriners’ Hospital in St Louis where they were able to make some accommodations. But he was always ready to take on any physical task that he could do. He learned to ride a bicycle, had a paper route, and did his best to evade and outrun the farm attack rooster. He loved the water and enjoyed boating and jet skiing. He enjoyed co-piloting with his friend Ray Ryan on a trip on the rivers beginning in Kentucky and ending up in Pensacola Bay. And, of course, he loved hunting and fishing.
As a young boy he accepted Christ as His Savior and was baptized at Fosterburg Baptist Church in Illinois.
After graduating from Evans High School in Orlando, he attended Orlando Junior College and then finished courses at Elkins Electronic Institute in Dallas, Texas.
Paul’s career led him to living and working in various locations across the United States. Among the places he worked were WTLN (where he launched its opening and went by on-air name of Paul Edwards), WHOO, WGTO (Cypress Gardens), WFTV, WSLC, Ingstad Brothers, and ION Media. However, over 25 years ago, he and his beloved wife, Maude (Cookie) made the decision to return to Florida, where they had initially met and started their shared journey together.
He and Cookie celebrated 60 years of marriage this past summer, building a life filled with love and shared adventures. Cookie usually “held down the fort” but she was sometimes able to travel with him after their two boys were grown.
His goal was to work until he was 80, but he finally “retired” when he was about 78. He soon became a part of a couple of groups of “breakfast” buddies and loved spending time, swapping tales, with them. They supported and visited him during his illness.
He is survived by his wife Cookie, his sister Donna, two sons Michael (Ella) and Eric (Molly), grandsons Alex (Brandi), Will, Jack, and Andy, granddaughter Alyssa (Blaine) and nine great grandchildren.
A memorial service is planned for Friday, January 2, 2026, at The Island Church on Tierra Verde with Pastor Will McRaney officiating.
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Paul was one of a kind. In the 30 years that we worked together off and on, his imagination and dedication always amazed me. We spoke on the phone in September and had plans to get together in early 2026. We will all miss you greatly, Titch!
Titch was a good friend and mentor. He will be missed by many.
PRAYING for the whole family! May our precious LORD give you comfort today as only HE can do! Love & Prayers, Les & Marsha Harrup
It is a sad day when you must say goodbye to someone who was such a part of the lives of friends and family. But blessed memories remain. May God grant you peace at this time.
I am so sorry to hear this news. I enjoyed working with Paul for many years. We had some great fishing trips .
I was blessed to work with Titch, primarily during the Analog-to-Digital television conversion that began nearly 30 years ago. Once Titch trusted you, his loyalty was unwavering, and I’m grateful that we shared a strong, mutual trust. He was truly one of a kind—someone you would never forget, even if you only worked with him for a single day. Thankfully, we had the opportunity to work together for almost two decades.
Titch always spoke fondly of his family, especially his wife, Cookie. May you rest in peace, Titch, until we meet again.
I had known “Titch” since his time with Pax/ION. He was one of those unique individuals in our business, one you could never forget. He was a perfectionist, and as a customer he could be demanding, but he was also fair and loyal. He was a friend. He will be missed.
Cookie, I love you and your heart. Praying God will comfort and heal it, giving you peace that passes all understanding. Your love and devotion to your beloved Paul was a testimony of how we aim to love Jesus. Thank you for being you, a true masterpiece of the One who promises to comfort those who mourn and be near to the brokenhearted.
Paul and Cookie always sat in front of Bob and Char, Robin, David and me. We all loved knowing Paul and we all loved him and enjoyed his humor. He was our friend. God bless you, Cookie, and your family. What a legacy!!
He was such a good guy and such a big part of the PAX/ ION family.
I am sorry to hear about Paul’s passing. I have known Paul for over 25 years as a broadcast professional. I considered him a true professional in the broadcast industry. I really enjoyed my time helping Paul working on solutions for his requirements.
So sorry to hear this news! Paul had reached out to me in October to wish me happy Birthday and I had answered hoping to see him and Cookie but never heard back. So sorry I didn’t get a chance to see him! I have so many fond memories of us in Las Vegas!
Cookie. I am so sorry about Paulies passing. You all including your children, grand children and Donna have my prayers. Karen Hatcher.