Ernest Paul Tucker, 77, died at Magnolia Square Nursing Home, Springfield, MO  on June 12, 2020.  He was born September 17, 1942 in the back of his father’s barber shop in Richland, MO, the son of Reed and Pearl Tucker.  Ernie graduated from Mtn. Grove High School, class of 1960. He married the love of his life, Carol (Crownover) Tucker on July 23, 1966.  They were married for nearly 54 wonderful years.

Ernie was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  While he had a variety of jobs, he was in the auto parts business for 42 years.  As a store manager for many years, everyone could always count on Ernie to come open up the shop when needed.

Ernie was a follower of Christ and served faithfully in many Southern Baptist churches throughout the years.  He was ordained a deacon at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Everton, MO, although a role he most enjoyed was that of Sunday School Superintendent at Whiteville Baptist in Whiteville, AR, Calvary Baptist in Marshfield, MO and Pleasant Hill Baptist in Everton, MO.  Ernie loved animals, especially his cats.  He also enjoyed feeding birds and was known to randomly stop and rescue a slow turtle making its way across the road.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sharon and brother, Jack. He is survived by his wife, Carol of Springfield, MO. He  is also survived by his three children, Paul Kent Tucker (Tammy) of Galena, MO; Tina Tucker Munroe of St. Louis, MO; and David Tucker (Vikkie) of Holden, MO; two brothers, Clifford Tucker (Sharon) of Richland, MO; Frank Tucker of Lebanon, MO;  6 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday afternoon, June 16, 2020 at 3:00pm in the chapel at the Greenlawn South Funeral Home, Springfield, MO.