Gary Tucker, 77, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at his home.

Born October 19, 1943 in Winfield, he was the son of Cecil Earl and Theda Louise (Shiflet) Tucker. He was raised and received his education in Winfield, graduating from Winfield High School in 1961. Gary married Theo Kendrick on November 7, 1962. The couple had two children and later divorced. He married Rita Gibbs in February 1970. Gary and Rita had two children and divorced. Gary worked for the Rodeo Meat Packing Plant for 18 years. He then went to work for the Rainbow Bread Company.

Gary was united in marriage to Sandra "Sue" Reuther on May 15, 1982 in Winfield. The couple made their first home in Winfield. Gary's career with the Rainbow Bread Company moved the family to Phoenix, Arizona in 1986. His work moved the family all over the country, including Muncie, Indiana and El Paso, Texas. They later returned to Winfield. Gary went to work for the Cowley County Sheriff's Department and worked ten years, retiring in 2005. Following retirement, he remained with the sheriff's department part-time as a transport officer. Sue preceded him in death on January 23, 2021.

Gary was a past member of the Rodeo Key Club and was a registered official with the Kansas State High School Activities Association in football, basketball, and baseball for 19 years. He enjoyed playing slot machines and was an Atlanta Braves fan. He especially loved KU football and basketball.

His family includes his sons, Brandon Tucker of Tulsa, OK; Ricci Tucker of Winfield; Brandon McBride of Winfield; his daughters, Leah Jenkins and husband, Chris of Arkansas City; Jamie Drake and husband, Matt of Winfield; his sister Barbara Martin of Winfield; 18 grandchildren; and 30 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, Gary was preceded in death by sons Casey Tucker, John "Brent" McBride, Jr., and Steven McBride, his brother Randy Tucker, and a daughter-in-law Bambi McBride.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at Miles Funeral Service. Interment will follow at Akron Cemetery. A visitation is scheduled at the funeral home on Thursday from 4 to 8 P.M. The family will greet visitors from 4 to 6 that evening.

A memorial has been established in Gary's name for RiverCross Hospice. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

Gary's funeral service will be live streamed on Friday, February 5, 2021 at 2:00 P.M.  To view the service, click the following link: