Robert Tucker

Robert Tucker, 89, passed away Monday, March 6, 2017 at his home in Hartford, Kansas. He was born May 27, 1927 in Pottsville, Arkansas, the son of Clarence and Effie Williams Tucker. Bob graduated from Pottsville High School in 1945. He went on to attend Arkansas Technical College. Bob left Arkansas to take a job at DeCorseys Dairy in Wichita, KS. He later moved to Emporia to work for Braum's Ice Cream. Throughout the years he furthered his education by taking vocational classes in the field of engineering to better enhance his employment opportunities. He retired from Dolly Madison Bakery as a Maintenance Engineer after 35 years. Bob married June Stark. They had five children together and were later divorced. On May 8, 1967 Bob was joined in marriage to Betty Banister in Eureka, Kansas. Bob was an avid fisherman and hunter. At the age of 50 he fulfilled a lifelong dream by earning his private pilot license. He was a member of the Emporia Airport Action Group. He will live on in the hearts of his wife of over 49 years, Betty, of their home in Hartford; daughter, Patti Womble (Jim) of Little Rock; sons, Andy Tucker (Laurie) of North Carolina, Steve Tucker (Ileana) of Taylor, Arkansas, Michael Tucker (Judy) of Salina, Jim Tucker of Hartford and stepson, Jeff Neuenschwander of Olathe, Kansas. Also, brother, Ray Tucker (Sue) of Atkin, Arkansas; eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Tucker; two sisters, Kathleen Hollabaugh and Clarice Lanell; brothers, Kermit, Milton, S.C. and William Tucker. Graveside services were held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 11, 2017 at Hartford Cemetery Patio. Memorial contributions may be made to the Emporia Airport Action Group or the Hartford United Methodist Church and sent in care of the Jones VanArsdale Funeral Home at Box 43, Lebo, Kansas 66856. Condolences may be expressed at vanarsdalefs.com.