Melvin J. Tucker

Melvin J. Tucker

Melvin Joseph Tucker died Feb. 10, following a three-year battle with cancer. He was 77.

Mel was a friend to everyone and a hero to those who knew him well. He was born in New Athens, Illinois, on March 19, 1941. There he attended St. Anthony’s grade school and Okawville High School.

After his Park Service career Mel owned and operated Tucker Excavation. He held a passion for John Deere two-cylinder tractors and was a member of the Wind River Flywheelers Tractor Club.

From an early age Mel was a self-taught astronomer and helped grow the Jackson Hole Astronomy Club. He performed weekly star parties in the summer months at Jenny Lake Lodge and Lost Creek Ranch for many years. His love of the mountains, snowmobiling and Ford trucks was contagious and shared by many friends.

Mel is survived by his daughters, Becky Tucker Henne and husband Patrick, and Deborah Tucker Lowe and husband Dan; grandchildren Caitlin, Nora and Ryan Henne, and Vivian and June Lowe; and many nieces and nephews, including the special Lake family of Lively Grove, Illinois, and recent partner Liz McKay.

A Catholic mass and celebration of life will be held the second week of August in Moran.

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