John Tucker

John Rex Tucker of Poplar Bluff, formerly of Doniphan, departed this life Sunday, July 16, 2023, at the age of 100.

He was born Oct. 4, 1922, in Tucker, Missouri, to the late John and Edith (Harman) Tucker. Due to his mother passing during childbirth, Rex was raised by his maternal grandparents, JC and Martha Harman while his father served in the U.S. Navy. Rex lived with his grandparents in the Pioneer Log Cabin which has been relocated to Pioneer Heritage Homestead in Doniphan. Being raised together and relatively close in age, Rex’s uncle, Clarence Harman was like a brother to him.

Rex was well known in Southeast Missouri and Northern Arkansas as a John Deere Tractor and equipment mechanic and had years of specialized training for John Deere. Rex also had worked at Montgomery Ward in Poplar Bluff as a small engine mechanic and later retired from Vitronics in Doniphan after 20 years of service.

A long-time cattle farmer on his farm in Doniphan, Rex also raised a garden for 64 consecutive years. His other interests included making bluebird houses and feeding and watching the bluebirds, cardinals, and deer. His favorites pastimes were camping, hunting, and fishing as well as being an avid tinkerer who was able to make or fix just about anything. Rex was a great storyteller and held listeners spellbound as he would share his life experiences.

Watching the St. Louis Cardinals was also a passion, and his favorite player of all time was Ozzie Smith from whom he received a framed, personally autographed photo of him standing next to his Hall of Fame Plaque. The centenarian also received a couple of resolutions from the Missouri House of Representatives and a letter from the governor marking his milestone birthday.

On Sept. 3, 1946, Rex married Ava Elizabeth (Wheeler) Tucker in Pocahontas, Arkansas. They had marked 71 years and 11 months of marriage when she preceded him in death Aug. 3, 2018. He was also preceded by his brothers, Tommie Tucker and Jimmie Tucker.

Surviving are children, Regina (Randy) Srader of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; Dennis (Sharon) Tucker of Benton, Kentucky; grandchildren, Jennifer (Randy) Jackson, Amanda (Luke) Krompetz, John (Jill) Tucker, Jason (Jonie) Tucker; and great-grandchildren Tucker, Brooklynn, Trent, Bella, Sophie, Logan, and Greyson. Also surviving is a sister, Connie (Roy) Collins of Owasso, Oklahoma, and sister-in-law, Pat Tucker of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, along with many other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, July 21, 2023, beginning at 1 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at 2p.m. Pastor Byron Beck will be officiating, and burial will be in Hunt-White Memorial Gardens.