Dr. Joseph Tygett

Dr. Joseph Norris Tygett, 80, of Cape Girardeau, beloved obstetrician, died Monday, July 18, 2011, in Cape Girardeau.

He was born May 28, 1931, in Paris, Ill., to Glenn J. and Mildred Norris Tygett. He and Angela Rose Williams Tygett were married Aug. 8, 1980.

Tygett was a 1949 graduate of Central High School. He attended Boys State in 1948, and earned the honor of Eagle Scout.

He received a bachelor of science from Washington University in St. Louis in 1952. He received a doctorate of medicine in 1956 from Washington University School of Medicine, and completed his internship at the City of Memphis Hospitals in 1957.

Following his internship, he joined the Air Force, serving two years in Greenville, S.C., at Donaldson AFB.

After his Air Force service, he completed his residency at the University of Tennessee-Memphis in 1962.

Tygett joined the medical staff at Southeast Hospital and Saint Francis Medical Center in 1962. He was elected a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1965. He received board certification from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 1966. Tygett joined the American College of Surgeons in 1966.

He served as department head of obstetrics and gynecology at Southeast Hospital. He also served on numerous committees throughout his medical career. After his retirement in 2004, he was awarded the Southeast Hospital Outstanding Service Award.

Tygett's life displayed devoted service to this community 42 years. His proudest professional accomplishment was the delivery of 9,500 babies. He enjoyed travel, food (cooking and eating) and woodworking. Known for his calmness, kindness, gentleness, he will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by family, friends, patients, hospital staff and colleagues.

He was a member of Old St. Vincent Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife, Angela Rose Tygett; a daughter, Mary Tygett of Spartanburg, S.C.; and a son, Rob Tygett of St. Louis.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother; and two sons, Mark and John Tygett.

Friends may call 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Old St. Vincent Catholic Church, with the Rev. Tom Kiefer officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to Southeast Health Cancer Center -- Patient Experience, 60 Doctors Park, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.