TUCKER, Kenneth E. - b. October 7, 1934 - d. July 3, 2011

[patyrn]

Kenneth E. Tucker, 76, of Chanute, Kansas, departed this world on Sunday, July 3, 2011 at the Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita, Kansas.  Kenneth was born in Elk Falls, Kansas on October 7, 1934, the son of George L. and Isabelle (Clark) Tucker.

Kenneth grew up in Moline, Kansas and went to work for the Santa Fe Railroad in 1952 and worked until his retirement in 1996 after 43 1/2 years of service.  Kenneth was united in marriage to Shirley A. Cox, his high school sweetheart on July 5, 1953 at Howard, Kansas.  They had a wonderful marriage of 58 years and were blessed with two sons, a daughter, and seven grandchildren.  He was a member of United Transportaton Union for 55 years and a member of the First Christian Church of Chanute.  He loved hunting, fishing, camping, and the great outdoors.  He had a great love for his dogs.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Shirley, of the home; children, Roger E. Tucker and his wife, Tish of Chanute, Kansas, Mark A. Tucker and his wife, Brenda of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and Becky A. Tucker and her husband, Robb of Chanute, Kansas; grandchildren, Mindy (Tucker) Wolbrueck and her husband, Josh of Justin, Texas, Deron Tucker and his wife, Ashley of Salina, Kansas, Garrett Tucker of Bentonville, Arkansas, Lisa Tucker of Chanute, Kansas, Alana Tucker of Columbia, Tennessee, and Jessica and Rachel Tucker of Chanute, Kansas; a sister, Wanda Mills of Moline, Kansas; and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Amber; and a grandson, Christopher.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, July 8, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute, Kansas.  The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 7, 2011 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Gibson Chapel, 16 N. Forest, Chanute, Kansas.  Memorials in his name may be made to Castaways Animal Shelter and may be left at the funeral home.  Penwell-Gabel Gibson Chapel in Chanute, Kansas is in charge of arrangements.

(taken from the Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home website)