Robert L. Tucker

Robert L. Tucker, age 96, of Saint Louis, Missouri passed away on Sunday, February 6, 2022. Robert was born November 12, 1925 in Michigan Valley, KS, to John and Lula (nee: Nichols) Tucker. They have preceded him in death, as have: his beloved wife Betty (nee: Elder), son James Tucker, siblings Seldon Tucker, and Betty Lou Majure. Bob is survived by: his daughter Deborah (Dave) Ellerington, his son Ron (Cheryl) Tucker; his grandchildren: Eiden (Seth) Hughes, Kyela (Mike) Raben, Sajan (Ian) Bastres, Tanner Tucker, Jack Tucker, Amanda (Mike) Tucker-Aponte; his great-grandchildren: Cooper and Delaney Raben, Carson Bastres; and his sister Frances Jackson. Bob is also survived by: nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and other relatives and friends.

Bob was born on November 12, 1925 on a family farm in Michigan Valley, KS. His hard work ethic and gentlemanly ways were established from growing up and working on the farm.

He graduated from Michigan Valley High School in 1943 and continued working on the farm until he joined the U.S. Coast Guard in August of 1946. He served as a Radarman 1st Class on various ships in the North Atlantic and Hawaiian Islands until his discharge in August of 1949.

After leaving the service, he met Betty Jane Elder, who quickly became the love of his life and his best friend. They were married on August 22, 1953, which was Betty’s 23rd birthday. During their early relationship, Bob utilized the G.I Bill of Rights and enrolled at Kansas State University, graduating in 1954 with a B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering and Business Administration. Bob’s interest in Electrical Engineering began earlier in his life, as he helped his father and brother bring electricity to the rural areas of Kansas by wiring barns and houses.

After graduation, Bob and Betty moved to St. Louis, MO where he started his career with Wagner Electric as a sales engineer. Their daughter Debbie was born during that time. Bob’s job transferred him to Chicago, Illinois and he continued working for Wagner Electric for 13 years. While in Chicago, his sons, Jim and Ron were born.

In 1967 he began working for S&C Electric Company as a district sales manager. He opened up the office in St. Louis and the family moved back to the St. Louis area in 1967. Bob retired from S&C in January of 1993. Many of the universities and hospitals in Southern Illinois and Missouri are still operating with some of the high voltage equipment he sold to them over the years.

Through the years, Bob enjoyed golfing, fishing, boating, hunting, growing roses, traveling with Betty, along with spending time with family and friends. The annual trip to Table Rock Lake when Bob’s family would join his brother Seldon’s family for a week long vacation of fishing, skiing, boating, and enjoying the Branson sites was always a special time.

Bob was a Mason with the Grand Lodge of Kansas for 70 years.

Bob was a man of faith all of his life and was an active member of Salem United Methodist Church for over 50 years.

He was devoted to providing and caring for his family. Bob and Betty were married for 65 years. Their partnership was cherished by both of them. Bob will be remembered by those who knew him as a true gentleman. He lived by the Golden Rule and taught by example. He will be greatly missed by those whose lives he touched.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kriegshausermortuary.com for the Tucker family.