William Tucker

William H Tucker Jr. was born to A. Ruth Schultz and William H. Tucker on November 12, 1927 in Elkhart, KS. In Elkhart, they were surrounded by a loving Tucker family and Bill’s brother, Tom, was soon born. However, the advent of the Dust Bowl and the Depression forced a move to Neodesha, Kansas. There Bill’s mother, a nurse, became the city’s hospital administrator. Bill soon joined his mother in Neodesha, attending school, playing sports, and meeting his future wife, Patsy Ruth Noblitt. After graduation, Bill and Pat married and Bill immediately left for Marine training in North Carolina. While Bill was in the service, his first son was born. At the war’s end, Bill returned home to Pat and his new son.

Bill and Pat moved to Independence, KS, so that Bill could attend JUCO there. Bill worked while going to school and playing sports. During this time, his second child, a daughter, was born. Bill left school and found employment with the accounting department of Sinclair Pipeline Company in 1947. Thus, began a long and successful career. He retired in 1985 as manager of administrative services at ARCO Pipeline.

Bill is survived by his wife, Pat. Bill and Pat had a strong commitment to their faith which carried over to their commitment to each other. They enjoyed a rich, loving marriage celebrating their 75th anniversary on July 8, 2021. The fruit of their marriage includes three children: William H Tucker III, nicknamed Butch, Linda Lawrence (David), and Robert H Tucker, nicknamed Hank (Jennifer). They have seven grandchildren: William W. Tucker (LeAnette), Matthew Sutter (Angie), Sabine Tucker (Brenn), Dyana Krzanowsky (Andy), Joshua Lawrence (Bobi), Lindsey Meyer (Joe), and Abigail Harris (Keno). They also have 16 great grandchildren: Caitlin, Marley, Christian, Tucker, Haley, Macey, Luke, Tate, Ava, Amyia, Lakota, Lydia, Nora, Rowen, Bear and Billie... one great-great grandchild, Savvy, and three nieces.

Bill was active in his community serving as president of the Lions Club, representing ARCO at the Independence Chamber of Commerce and coaching Little League and Babe Ruth baseball. He also expressed his faith by serving the First Baptist Church of Independence as a trustee, deacon, and teaching youth Sunday School for 27 years.

Bill and Pat enjoyed travel and visited all 50 states. They also toured through Canada, England, Scotland and France. They traveled from Kansas to Alaska via the Alaskan Highway. Grandchildren were often a welcome addition to their travels. Bill’s other passion was golfing with wife, Pat, and sons, grandsons and even a great grandson! Bill was an avid outdoorsman enjoying fishing and hiking the Beartooth Mountains, Canada, Yellowstone and Wyoming with children, and grandchildren…. continuing an active lifestyle into his late 80’s.

Bill was much loved by his wife and all his offspring. He was a caring father and respected by all. He showed love through his unconditional support and generous help. He was also proclaimed to be “fun, and the best grandpa ever!” He will be sorely missed by all. A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at the First Baptist Church in Independence on Friday April 2nd at 2:00 pm with interment immediately following at Mount Hope Cemetery. To leave the family a special message of condolence, please visit www.pottsfuneralhome.com.