Thomas J. Tucker (lovingly known as Tom, Tucker, Tommy T, Big Tucky), 83, passed away surrounded by his loving family on October 20, 2024. Tom devoted his life to faith, family, and friends.
Tom was born in Evansville on July 13, 1941, the son of Raleigh and Gertrude (Hollander) Tucker, and was one of nine children, three of which are surviving (Cathy, Ted, and Jerry). On May 22, 1982, he married Christine (Klees) Tucker, and for the next forty-two years, they created a loving home for their family. He attended three years of high school at St. Meinrad Archabbey and graduated in 1959 from Memorial High School. Tom went on to serve his country honorably in the U.S. Navy. He lived a devoted life to his community and Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church.
First, Tom was employed by Walker Pharmacy, and then Williams Pharmacy. He went on to be a salesman for Killion Office Products for many years. Tom served as the Executive Director for the Chamber of Commerce and United Way Chairman. Additionally, he served as a past member of the Community Foundation Board. He was also a past Anam Cara youth leader at the Catholic Church.
Tom was an avid golfer and was past president of Country Oaks men’s golf league. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, 4th degree. Also, he served as an exalted ruler of the Elks Club.
As a huge sports fan, Tom was a varsity assistant basketball coach for Washington Catholic High School. He was also part of the Washington Catholic Basketball “Years of Glory.” Tom was a coach for the Community Washington Soccer Federation, and a former Washington Catholic High School boys’ soccer coach.
Tom was the recipient of The Living Legacy Award at the Our Lady of Hope Gala and the J.P. Hagel Service Award given by the Chamber of Commerce.
Tom could be found patronizing many people at the Cherry Ghost, the White Steamer, True Scripts, the golf course, and many other local Washington establishments. He was a founding member of the ROMEO weekly men’s lunch club, who meet on Thursdays at Benji’s.
Many people carry pocket crosses gifted from Tom, which he gave with love and words of support. Tom greatly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. You could often find him on his back patio, reading his devotional, writing in his journal, and listening to the birds. Tom would also frequently misplace his phone, enlisting the help of his friends and family. Tom likely never met a stranger. Tom always shared words of wisdom, most often he said to “always make people smile.”
Those who now cherish Tom’s memory include his wife, Christine Tucker; three children, Cindy (Mark) Hildebrandt of Owensboro, Kentucky; Kelly K. (Arnie) Bowman of Dayton, Ohio, and Thomas P. (Lauren) Tucker of Noblesville, Indiana and many other extended family members and friends. Tom was blessed with eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren: Erin (deceased), Molly, Blake, Nicole, Philip, Charlotte, Grace, Leah, Emerson, Aaron, Luke, and Jack.
All services will be held at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church, 315 NE 3rd Street, Washington IN.
Visitation for Thomas Tucker will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 3:00-8:00 pm at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church. Burial will follow in the St. John Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to one of the following:
• The Catholic Community of Washington, 315 North East 3rd Street, Washington IN 47501
• Washington Catholic Education Endowment, Inc; PO Box 916, Washington IN 47501
• St. Meinrad One Bread One Cup Fund, 200 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad IN 47577.
Condolences may be left for the family online at www.edleemortuary.com. The staff of the Ed L. Lee Mortuary is honored to have been entrusted with the care and arrangements for Thomas Tucker.
