Christian L Tucker

Born January 9, 1936 in Pekin to William and Helen (Waldbeser) Tucker, he married Jeannie Leah Rhoades on November 23, 1976 in Pekin.  She survives.

Also surviving are five sons, Shane Tucker, Bernard (Cindy) Tucker, Lloyd Tucker, and Chris “Cricket” Tucker, Jr., all of Pekin, and Patrick (Stacy) Tucker of Manchester, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Ethan Tucker, Lyllie Tucker, Ivory Tucker, and David Tucker; and one brother, Bill (Ruby) Tucker of Pekin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers (Zeke Tucker and Butch Tucker), and two sisters (Sarah Ann Tucker and Kay Tucker).

He was a United States Army veteran.

Chris worked at Otto Baum Company in Morton for over 30 years, retiring in 1999.  Previously, he worked for Abel Vault & Monument in Pekin.

He was a retired member of Laborers Local #165 in Peoria and was an honorary life member of the Peoria Motorcycle Club in Bartonville.

In 1988 he established the Chris Tucker Toys for Tots charity run and has organized this event every year since the inception.  His favorite pass time was motorcycle riding.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 15, 2010 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.   Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 14, 2010 at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Lancaster Cemetery in rural Glasford where military rites will be accorded by the United States Army.

Following the burial, there will be a gathering at the Peoria Motorcycle Club.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.