Bruce A. Tucker

Years before his passing, Bruce took it upon himself to write his own obituary. He referred to it as “an altar call — not a coffin call.” Anyone who knew Bruce, knew that the most important thing in his life, next to his wife Linda and family, was his faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. The following is not a replica of that obituary but seeks to preserve Bruce’s heart and intention when writing it.

Bruce Alan Tucker was born June 8, 1938, to Floyd Franklin and Neva Eraminta (Rains) Tucker at Sargent, Neb. He grew up on a ranch in Rose, Neb., with his best friend and twin sister, Beverly Jean Tucker, as well as three older brothers: Billie Mack, Dan Curtis, and Jerry Joe.

Following his graduation from Rock County High School in Basset, Neb., Bruce enlisted in the U.S. Navy. While based in Florida, his service reached across the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas. Bruce was an aviation machinist mate assigned to an attack squadron. He was honorably discharged in 1959.

During his service, Bruce was adopted by his Navy parents, Reverand Arcus and Mrs. Adams, and their family.

Bruce returned to the family ranch for some time and also worked for a few neighboring ranches. In the spring of 1963, he went to work for a cattle operation in Southeast Nebraska. It was while working there that Bruce met a “sweet young girl” (his words exactly), Linda Lee Leitschuck, who later became his bride. On Sept. 12, 1965, Bruce and Linda were married in Liberty, Neb. The Lord blessed them with four wonderful children: Bobbi Jo, Justin Bruce, Ambree Ann and Darnell Bryan. All have come to know the Lord, which meant the world to Bruce.

Though Bruce had accepted Jesus Christ at a young age as his Lord and Savior, he felt convicted to re-commit his life to Christ and repent from his wayward ways. At a revival in Liberty, Neb., on Oct. 12, 1965, one month from his wedding day, Bruce was convicted to follow Jesus with his whole heart. Bruce wished to urge others, “Friend, this is the most important thing in your life that you must make a decision about — and that is, what will you do with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Come to Him while there is still time, as we know not the day or the hour He will call us from this earth. Don’t turn away from Him.”

Bruce was involved in his church, Southview Baptist Church, where he volunteered with the Awana program.

Vocationally, Bruce graduated from Southeast Community College (formerly Nebraska Vocational Technical School) with a focus on automotive mechanics. He worked on repairing and modifying military aircraft and, later, copiers and office machines. After that, he spent the bulk of his career at the Diesel Shop as a pipefitter for locomotives while working at Burlington Northern Railroad. After 30 years in this profession, Bruce retired in 2004.

Bruce never lost his interest and involvement with Registered Hereford cattle, which he acquired from his father while on his family ranch. Bruce took great pleasure in his Registered Herefords, which were cared for in Northern Nebraska, and in the friendships that came from “good Hereford people,” as he would call them.

In retirement, Bruce enjoyed gardening, traveling, going to country music jams, seeing his cows, witnessing the beauty of God’s creation, and quality time with family full of good food, laughs, and games.

Bruce is preceded in death by his mother, father, siblings, brother-in-law Myron (Mike) O’Neel, sister-in-law Marcella Tucker, and sister-in-law Donna Leitschuck.

Bruce is survived by his wife Linda; his children Bobbi Jo, Justin, Ambree Ann, and Darnell; his daughter- and son-in-laws Brian Oatman, Annie (Yuhong Zhao) Tucker and Janae Tucker; his grandchildren Elizabeth Oatman, Rachael Oatman, Pacer Attaway, Paxton Attaway, Penley Attaway, and Padyn Tucker; sister- and brother-in-laws Dale and Gladys Leitschuck and Gary Leitschuck; as well as several nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and many brothers and sisters in Christ.

A funeral service for Bruce will be held Friday, May 10, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Southview Baptist Church, 3434 S 13th St., Lincoln, NE 68502. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Awana program at Southview Baptist Church or to Right for Life.