Matt Tuck

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Matt Tuck, it summarized in every way who he was. He was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around him. He was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything he did. He was a friendly person who truly cared about those around him.

Matt was born on December 13, 1981 at Saint Edward Hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was the son of Tommy and Pam Tuck. Raised in Pocola, Oklahoma, he was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, he learned to be conscientious, responsible, punctual and very respectful, especially to his parents. These were all traits that he would carry with him throughout his life.

As a young boy, Matt was always aware of how others around him felt and this quality served him well. With a deep capacity to tolerate the feelings of others, Matt was generally able to avoid conflicts. It seemed as if Matt was the family member who was always working to keep stress at bay. Preferring a quiet environment where he could concentrate, Matt also had the ability to relate well with his family and friends. Matt was raised with one sibling. He had one older brother, Shane Tuck. Matt was constantly involved in activities with his brother. Matt and his brother had the typical rivalries while growing up but they deeply cared for each other and shared many life experiences over the years.

Growing up, Matt was one of those children who didn’t need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. He was content to entertain himself. Matt was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, he was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything he did as a child, Matt was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around him. Matt took part in a number of activities as a child. He took part in baseball, basketball, football, golf, and bowling. In his spare time he liked riding his motorcycle and spending quality time with his grandparents and family. Matt's memorable achievements included when he was on the honor roll in 1st through 5th grades and when he won trophies in baseball. God could not have given a mother a better son. Matthew was a sweet person and everyone who knew him, liked him. He treated people like he wanted to be treated. When he was about 12 years old, he said to his mother "Momma, why do people treat people bad?" And she said she didn't know, she tried to explain how sometimes people aren't very nice like they should be and he told her "I always treat people like I would like to be treated". This of course broke her heart. She knew that God had given her an angel.

Matt enjoyed learning, as does Landon. He always had a great memory and was particularly skilled at retaining factual information. Matt was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. He often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, Matt was painstaking and accurate in his efforts. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. He graduated from Pocola High School in 2001. Matt enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers. His favorite class in high school was history. He won a $500 Scholarship and some trophies in a bowling tournament.

Matt was a good father to Landon, his special nickname for him was "LANDON DOE DANDAN". He had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because he trusted emotions, Matt was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way he seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around him, always thinking before acting. In addition, Matt was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around him might be, he seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Matt was blessed with one son, Landon James Tuck, whom he loved dearly and was the apple of his eye. Matt would tell Landon "If you keep practicing and working hard you're going to be a great baseball player because you have the talent and skills.

Matt liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Matt's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Matt preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on his hobbies. His favorite pursuits were bowling, fishing, and he loved playing ball with his son, Landon. Matt was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying his hobbies all by himself and could often be found just reading about his favorite pastimes.

While thorough and measured in his approach to things, Matt often liked to physically do things rather than just think about them. He was like that with sports. In high school, Matt played football, basketball, and golf. Recreational sports included fishing, bowling, and golf. He also enjoyed the statistical data and the facts behind the sports. In this way, he was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football, baseball, college basketball, fishing, and bowling.

Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Matt had smooth sailing. It was often taken for granted that he was the trip planner. He would start early and examine all of the possibilities, selecting the best and most effective options. Favorite vacations included fishing at Broken Bow with his father.

Matt passed away on November 1, 2009 at Rock Island, Oklahoma. He is survived by one son, Landon Tuck of Greenwood, AR; his parents, Pam and Tommy Tuck of Pocola, OK; one brother, Shane Tuck and his wife, Jamie of Pocola, OK; maternal grandfather, George Hattabaugh of Pocola, OK; his uncles and aunts, Larry Tuck and his wife Carol of Pocola, OK and Rick Neumeier and his wife Linda of Morrison Bluff, AR; cousins, Laura White, Eric Neumeier, and Cole Tuck; niece, Kenzie Tuck; and a nephew, Talon Tuck. Services were held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, November 6, 2009 at Freedom Freewill Baptist Church in Alma, AR. Matt was laid to rest in Old Union Cemetery near Hackett, AR.

It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Matt was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Matt was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of man to whom everyone was drawn. He was thorough and practical. Matt Tuck was very literal with his words. You always knew where you stood with Matt. He will truly be missed and loved always by Daddy, Momma, Landon, Shane, and PaPa.