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A man of honor, integrity and strength, Tom James Tucker was born on May 28, 1939, in Amarillo, Texas to James Wallace and Ruby Irene (Jackson) Tucker. At an early age, his family moved to their farm on the outskirts of Durant, Oklahoma. Tom loved the outdoors and learned a valuable work ethic from his parents.
After graduating from Durant High School with the class of ‘57, he attended Southeastern State College and served as the drum major for the marching band. He was an accomplished saxophone player and always enjoyed “good” music.
Tom was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and graduated in 1962 with a Bachelors degree in Chemistry. He moved to Houston and began a teaching career, where he mentored and coached numerous students.
In Galena Park, Texas, he met a young new teacher, Charlene Palmer. The two were married on June 12, 1965, in Port Arthur, Texas. Tom, wanting to return home, moved his family back to Durant in 1972 with their infant son, Brian James. A few years later along came his favorite daughter, Laura Jane.
Tom always enjoyed working with his hands, creating and building. Not afraid to try new things, he ventured into the home building business where he spent the next 40 years. While mentoring and training many in the construction trades, he built beautiful homes and swimming pools all around the area. He had a reputation among his peers as an honest, hard-working man.
Tom, an Eagle Scout himself, served as a volunteer with the Boy Scouts and enjoyed many memorable camping trips along with his son. He was a deacon and elder in the First Christian Church where he also added his beautiful tenor voice to the choir.
Tom passed from this life peacefully on Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at Carrus Hospital in Sherman, Texas. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Charlene, and his children: Dr. Brian Tucker and wife Margaret of Kennewick, WA; Laura Tunnicliff and husband Mike of Sanger, TX; grandchildren: Riley, Zachary and Jordyn Tunnicliff of Sanger, TX; his brother David Tucker and wife Berniece of Durant, OK and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Liby and Carl Beck of Austin, TX. Tom also maintained very close relationships with many of his cousins. Special thanks go to the nurses and doctors at DaVita Dialysis Center who took such great care for all those many years and to nurse Desiree for all her compassion and care.
If you knew Tom, you would know that he was a quiet man who loved and cared deeply. He will be forever missed by all those who knew this man full of wit and wisdom.
A memorial service will be held at First Christian Church, Durant, OK on Monday, June 22nd at 2:00 PM. All are welcome at a reception held immediately after in the church fellowship hall.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the
faith.
2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)
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