Obituary of Donald J. Tucker

Donald J. Tucker, 86, of Girard, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, January 15, 2018 at 3:16 am at Memorial Medical Center after a very brave, year long fight against leukemia. Don was born July 26, 1931 in Harvel, the seventh of eleven children of William J.B. Tucker and Lucy Meyer Tucker. He married Gwendolyn Schelb on August 26, 1951. He was employed 35 years at Capitol Airport Authority until his retirement in 1993. Don was a graduate of Girard High School and was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Don loved gardening, owing much to his upbringing on the family farm. His beautiful yard and garden were profiled in an article in the July 4, 2009 issue of State Journal-Register (“Couple Creates a Garden Paradise” by Blake Toppmeyer). Don was an avid card player and golfer at Oak Leaf Country Club. Don himself planted many of the trees that line the golf course. He was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Notre Dame. He also enjoyed travelling. He and Gwen visited all of the lower 48 states by car and also traveled overseas to Ireland and France. Above all, Don’s greatest source of pride was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His family could always count on his love and support in any and all situations. His grandchildren will forever cherish the wonderful memories and lessons learned from “Popie”. Don was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rita Ellis and brother, Bob. Don is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Gwen; daughters Kathy (Dr. Greg) Boyer and Patti (Dr. Tony) Agatucci both of Springfield; grandchildren Amy Agatucci (Dr. Ryan Gobble) of Cincinnati, OH, Dr. Andrew Boyer of Springfield, Mark (Aimee) Boyer of Tulsa, OK, and Matthew (Dr. Michelle Mileham) Boyer of Salt Lake City, UT; great grandchildren Madeleine and Lucy Boyer of Tulsa, OK and Griffin and Grayson Gobble of Cincinnati, OH; brothers; Bill Tucker of Butler, Paul Tucker of Austin, TX, Gerald Tucker of Girard, Jim Tucker of Houston, TX, and David Tucker of Rocky River, OH; sisters; Imelda Oglesby of Mt. Vernon, Mary Lou Butler of Springfield, and JoAnn Rettberg of Macedonia, OH; sister in laws Shirley, Mary, and Carol; and several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers and in his honor, Don’s family encourages everyone to beautify our world by working in the soil or by planting a tree, just as Don has always done. Memorial contributions can be made to the MemoriaL Medical Center Foundation, Mail Code 61, 701 North First Street, Springfield, Illinois 62781-0001 Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at Davis Anderson Funeral Home in Girard preceded by prayer service at 4:45 PM. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, January 19, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Girard, Illinois. Interment will be at a later date.