John Wesley Tucker

Memorial services will be held 11:00 am Friday October 14th at Eternal Valley Park and Mortuary with the Pastor James Thomas of Emmanuel Community Church, officiating.

John Tucker was born in Linden, Alabama to David and Mary Tucker on December 29, 1940. He went to school at Pleasant Ridge Elementary in Linden, Alabama and Dunbar High School in Bessemer, Alabama. He married Elma Gray King on April 5, 1960 in Linden, Alabama.

He graduated from Compton Community College, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. He worked in the Aircraft Industry for American Rockwell and Hughes Aircraft retiring from Hughes Aircraft in 1993 after more than 25 years. He was a veteran of no active war and served in the United States Army serving a year in Berlin, Germany.

John had many hobbies, he loved to hunt, fish and barbecue. He also enjoyed listening to jazz and blues. The saying “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!” reined true in his life. His wife gave him the nickname “Fred Sanford” as he turned many trashed items into great treasures for children and families in his community. Restoring bikes, skateboards, fans, and vacuum and the list goes on.

John was a dedicated husband and father to his two children Vern and Priscilla and a devoted “Papa” to his two grandchildren De’Asja Long and Travion Calhoun. John more affectionately known as “Uncle Bone” adopted the children of his neighborhood, of his community and his family pouring into their lives teaching them survival skills, encouraging them to be the best that they could be. He fought for the safety of his neighborhood speaking up and out against drugs, gangs, underserved and undersupplied and staff schools. He spent countless hours volunteering at the local elementary school being a forerunner and voice crying out on behalf of the children, truly he fought a good fight on behalf of many.

John Tucker is preceded in death by his son, Venore Wesley Tucker, his parents and six brothers, David Jr., Ulysses, Joe, Wendell, Harold, and Larry.

John is survived by his devoted wife, Elma Tucker, his dedicated daughter, Priscilla Ann Tucker, two grandchildren, De’Asja Long and Travion Calhoun, two sisters-in laws, Helen Nelson and Vera Thomas James two brothers-in laws Clyde and James. A host of nephews, nieces, great nieces, and nephews and a host of cousins and friends.

The family of John Tucker wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Mykysha Jackson of the Antelope Valley Supportive and Hospice Care who went above and beyond the call of duty night or day, Pastor Tom Pickett and Minister Donna Pickett and the congregation of the Antelope Valley Christian Center, Family and Friends near and far who supported us with their prayers and presence.