Norman Tucker

Norman N. Tucker Sr., 87, of Jackson passed away Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016, at his home.

He was born March 25, 1929, in Cape Girardeau to Leslie A. and Erna K. Koeppel Tucker.

He was a 1947 graduate of Cape Girardeau Central High School, and an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Army, serving from Aug. 19, 1948, to June 24, 1952.

He and Bessie L. Crites were married Sept. 6, 1953, in Cape Girardeau. They had been married nearly 61 years when Bessie passed away June 23, 2014.

Norman and Bessie worked together several years in hotel and public-storage management. Norman taught himself to play the guitar and enjoyed songwriting and singing. He always dreamed of being able to entertain people with his talents. After retirement, he and Bessie did just that, by sharing their music at many area nursing homes. Norman played the guitar, Bessie played the mandolin and they both sang. After Bessie's passing, Norman continued to be faithful in sharing his wit and talent with the many friends they had made.

They were members of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cape Girardeau.

Loving survivors include four children, Debbie (Rob) Sandstrom of Oceanside, California, Lorrie (Jim) Litzelfelner of Jackson, Norman N. "Sonny" (Deseree) Tucker Jr. of Campo, California, and Terrie (Randy) Mouser of Jackson; a sister, LaDon (the late Don) Scott of California; a sister-in-law, Judy (the late John) McClard of Jackson; 14 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife; a brother, Leslie Tucker; and his parents.

Friends may call from 4 to 6:30 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 6:30 p.m. today at the funeral home, with Bishop Jim Chesnick officiating. A committal service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, with full military honors.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the American Heart Association.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.