Robert Blackburn Tidball

MISSOULA – Robert "Bob" Tidball, 104, passed away in Missoula on Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, following a short illness. He was born Feb. 9, 1909, by the light of a kerosene lamp in Gig Harbor, Wash., with no doctor in attendance. He was the second child and first son of Denver and Jennie Close Tidball. Eight more siblings were to follow completing the Tidball family of 10 children. Denver Tidball moved his small family from Washington to South Dakota when Bob was only 3 weeks old. Sheep ranching on the prairie was the life he grew up with and knew best.

In October 1927, Bob started attending school at South Dakota State College of Agriculture. It was there he met Edith Slocum who held the office of secretary while Bob was Student Association president. Their acquaintance eventually led to courtship, and they were married in Mound City, S.D., on July 7, 1933. Bob held a number of jobs and moved his family many times in the first 11 years of marriage. It was while working for the Northern Pacific Railway that he came to Missoula to see about a transfer. He had three days to find a house, which he did, and resided there until the time of his death. Bob worked as a locomotive fireman and was a crewman on the steam locomotive No. 1356 now on display at the north end of Higgins Avenue in Circle Square.

In addition to ranching and railroading, his working years included the defense plants during the war, first in the shipyards and then at the Columbia Aircraft Company. For a time he worked as manager of Tidball Texaco on the corner of Ryman and Front streets in business with his brothers and father. He worked many years for the Petrolane Gas Company where he was employed at the time of his retirement.

Bob was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, served as president of the P.T.A. at Willard Grade School, and took an active part in the Missoula Senior Center where he helped cook and serve lunches. He enjoyed working with wood and made many gifts for grandkids with his jig-saw and lathe. In retirement he and Edith put many miles on the RV Free Spirit and very much enjoyed their travels.

Tidball was preceded in death by his wife, Edith; brother Boone Tidball; sisters, Zella Drageset, Amy Lou Tidball and Susan Maholland. His survivors include children, Josie Davis and husband Elmer, Robert Tidball and wife Claudia, Nola Tilton and husband John, Doug Tidball and wife Cathy, Bruce Tidball, and Sharon Hayes and husband Richard; numerous grandchildren; innumerable great-grandchildren and a growing number of great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Virge (Tad) McDaniel, Jennie Comer, Bess Franzen and brothers, Bert Tidball and Lon Tidball along with multitudes of wonderful nieces and nephews.

Cremation is under the direction of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held in the spring. Contributions in the name of Robert B. Tidball may be made to the Missoula Senior Center; any ministry at First Presbyterian Church; or to the charity of donor's choice.

We, the family, would like to thank all the fine staff at the Village Care Center for your excellent support in caring for our father in his last weeks.

"Bye Dad, you'll be missed!"

Read Robert Tidball's Obituary and Guestbook.