Thomas "Tommy" Benjamin Tucker, age 88, Butler, MO, died Tuesday, October 6, 2009 at his home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 13 at the First Baptist Church in Butler, MO. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, October 12 at the church. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Butler. Memorial contributions may be made to the church, Heartland Hospice in Butler or to the Butler Elementary School.

Tommy was born the second child of Bessie and Perry Tucker on December 11, 1920 in Lebo, KS. At an early age he moved to Butler with his family. He attended Butler High School and graduated in 1939. After High School he joined the United States Navy and served proudly aboard the USS New York off the cost of Africa during World War II. Upon returning home from War, he married the love of his life, Frances Carolyn Lewis on July 23, 1944. To this union, two children were born, Tim and Marna.

He retired from Youthcraft, a leader in the clothing industry at the time in the late 1980's. Gramps' passions in life were Grandma, family, golf and dessert. He loved his wife so deeply, anyone who knew the two could see the love between them. Golf was his second love. Gramps spent countless hours on the golf course, not only playing, but teaching the game to students of all ages. He loved to volunteer also. For many years, he devoted his time to helping 2nd graders learn to read. He was such a jokester. From the time his kids moved into the house on Country Club, they feared the Bear in the basement. This fear was passed on to his grandchildren and greatgrands. For many years we truly believed there was a bear in the basement. He always had to tease the kids. Even in his last days, he had his sense of humor about him. We will all miss his childlike antics. He lived life to the fullest and was a man for all to look up to and for all to strive to be like. Tommy was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church and loved Jesus with everything inside of him.

The family would like to thank Patsy, Connie, Harvey, Robin and Melanie for your tender care. With a special thanks to Cas, Ness, Bo, Pitty, Rog, Tyler, Brandie and the kids for being such a joy to Gramps in his last days.

Tommy was preceded in death by his wife, Frances, brothers, Kenneth and Dick, sister, Grace, parents Bessie and Perry, and granddaughter, Tara. Tommy is survived by 2 sisters, Juanita Rogge, and Mary Lou Sutton; a son, Tim Tucker (Jodi), a daughter, Marna Tucker, 6 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.