Gary Dee Tucker

Mr. Gary Dee Tucker, 72, of New London and formerly Yarmouth, died Friday, September 16, 2011 at Henry County Health Center. Mr. Tucker was born July 4, 1939 in Burlington, the son of Clifford E. and Mabel M. Kellogg Tucker. He was a 1957 graduate of Yarmouth High School and attended Burlington Junior College. He was a member of Shinar Cumberland Church in Pleasant Grove. As a boy he showed cattle in 4-H and became a lifelong farmer and cattle producer. In the 1960's he owned and operated a corn shelling and trucking business. He was a member of the Cattlemen's Association and in 2007 he was the Des Moines County Cattleman of the Year. He was a member of the New London Lions Club and enjoyed their work at Old Threshers. In 2008 he was instrumental in bringing the Hot Beef Sundaes to the tent at Old Threshers. In 2011 he was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award/Lion of the Year. He was Lions Club president in 2008 and 2009 and was scheduled to again be president in 2012-2013. He enjoyed his morning coffee and checking up on friends, the Burlington Bees, and the Tuesday auction at the Wapello Cattle Barn. He collected antiques, gardened and canned his own produce...[more]

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The past several years he held a large 4th of July BBQ with fireworks. He enjoyed meals and fellowship with family and friends. Mr. Tucker is survived by one brother, Charles (Beverly) Tucker of Summerfield, Florida; nieces and nephew, Diane Powers of Mediapolis, Debra Holsteen of Mission, Kansas, Amy (Monte) Blanding of Lenexa, Kansas, and David (Carol) Tucker of Mission Hills, Kansas; two great nieces and five great nephews; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Keith. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Elliott Chapel, New London. Mr. David Tucker will officiate. Burial will be in Shinar Cumberland Cemetery in Pleasant Grove. Visitation will begin after noon on Friday, September 23, with the family receiving friends from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. A memorial has been established for the Yarmouth Fire Department and the New London Fire and Rescue.