Luther Tucker

L. W. Tucker, 99, passed away Friday, December 2, 2011 in Vernon, TX. Visitation for family and friends will be 6 till 8 PM on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 Hwy 277 South. Funeral service will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, December 8, 2011 at Wylie United Methodist Church, 3430 Antilley Road. Interment will follow the service at Elmwood Memorial Park.
Reverend Luther Weldon Tucker was born September 20, 1912 in Malone, Texas to Ollie and Margaret Tucker. He was raised in a large farming family with 4 brothers and four sisters. In 1938, he married Ruth Inez Cline. In early adult life, he farmed and worked as a blacksmith. He also served his country in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. After returning from military service, he was called into the ministry and consequently attended McMurry College, where he received his bachelors degree. During college and seminary studies, he began serving churches in the Northwest Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church. He was a pastor in this conference for 41 years, and worked much of that time in the Big Country. He served churches in Weinert, Nolan, Roscoe, Clyde, Abilene and Blackwell. In Abilene, his pastorate included service at Fair Park Methodist Church, Elmwood West United Methodist Church, Caps United Methodist Church and Wylie United Methodist Church.
Weldon loved the Lord and spent most of his life finding ways to work for him. Beyond ministry in the churches he served, he was instrumental in numerous church building and expansion projects and in various service roles within the Northwest Conference. He loved to work, and was just as likely to have a hammer or a shovel in his hands as a bible or a hymnal.
Weldon shared most of his life with his wife, Inez, who loved him dearly and faithfully during their 71 years of marriage. Together they forged a life of love and ministry to both church and family. They loved and nurtured children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and now have two greatgreat grandchildren in the family they began. Their family, their church, their ministry, and their many friends were the treasures of their life on earth.
Weldon is survived by two sons and one daughter: Wayne Tucker and wife Hazel of Keller, Texas Wendell Tucker and wife Sarah of Quanah, Texas Carol Burson and husband Marc of Tuscola, Texas. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, two greatgreat grandchildren and one brother, L.V. Tucker of Camby, Oregon. In heaven, Weldon will be reunited with his parents, 4 sisters, 3 brothers, and the love of his life, his wife, Inez.
The family requests that memorials be directed to the Methodist Childrens Home in Waco, Texas.

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
68 PM

Service

Funeral Service

Wylie United Methodist Church
3430 Antilley Road
Abilene, TX  79606
Thursday, December 8, 2011
10:00 AM

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606