Leon Dale Tucker

Leon was born on July 22,1943 in Athens County, Ohio.

He was one of six children born to Carl Garrison Tucker Sr. and Margie Eleanore Crippen.

Leon met his sweetheart, Shirley, in 1954. They dated all through high school and enjoyed going to the movie theater, roller skating, and sharing milkshakes together. They graduated from Zanesville High School together in 1963. Later, he worked for his stepdad; Samuel Lighthizer, at a drycleaning business in Duncan Falls, Ohio.

Leon joined the United States Navy and served from 1963-1969 and was stationed in Norfolk, Virgina.

He married the love of his life, Shirley, on December 18,1964 in Zanesville, Ohio.

They moved to Fontana, California in July 1968 to be closer to family. He got a job at Ameron Steel in Etiwanda, California as a machine operator making wire and nails.

Leon and Shirley began their family in1968 and they had two daughters of whom he cherished.

Darlenea Michelle and LeAnn Renee

In his earlier years, Leon could be found in his garage tinkering with almost anything. He loved having coffee with his neighbor buddies while working on cars and trucks, repairing lawnmowers, spray painting, and fixing bicycles for the neighborhood kids.

In 2005, Leon retired after 37 years from Industrial Wire Products; formerly Ameron Steel, as a forklift operator, to spend his time with his beloved wife.

His retirement years consisted of being surrounded by his family, going to breakfast to chat with the guys, and to try his luck with the one arm bandit at the local casinos.

He was preceded in death by parents:

Carl " Garrison" Tucker Sr. (Lorraine)

Margie Eleanore Lighthizer (Samuel)

Siblings:

Carl Garrison Tucker Jr.

Oma Eleanora Ramsey

Lewis Rudolph Tucker

Gayland Gene Tucker

James William Tucker

Leon is survived by his loving wife of 59 years; Shirley,

Two daughters: Darlenea Michelle Hildreth and LeAnn Renee Spence (John).

One granddaughter; Malissa Renee Hildreth

One stepsister; Joyce Marshall

Leon's personality brought warmth and joy to everyone he encountered. His passing will be mourned deeply by everyone who knew and loved him.