Gary Francis Tucking, 82, of Valley Falls, passed away Sunday, June 23, 2024.
He was born February 20, 1942, near Valley Falls, Kansas, the son of Charles “Delmar”, Sr., and Freda (Johnston) Tucking. He graduated from Valley Falls High School and later attended Topeka Technical College. Gary proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserve in Kansas.
Gary married Janice Christine Bausch on April 19, 1963, in Valley Falls, KS.
Gary worked for the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway, often abbreviated as just "Santa Fe," in Topeka for nearly 20 years and spent much of his life as a farmer and stockman. He was a true animal lover, keeping many pets, and raising many orphaned or ill cats by hand. He would often sit and watch the wildlife outdoors and enjoyed feeding the squirrels. Gary was an avid Western film watcher. He also enjoyed going for drives to look at current crops, local wildlife areas, and Perry Lake.
He is survived by his wife, Janice Tucking; two children, Brian (Kim) and Devan Tucking-Strickler (Marshal); his grandchildren, Danelle (Tim), Branden, Grace-Marie (Ryker) and Faith, as well as multiple granddogs, and his own beloved pets and horse. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at the Grahem - Herbers VFW Post 3084 in Valley Falls. Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to Jefferson County Humane Society, 15295 KS-4, Valley Falls, KS 66088 or to the Shriner's Hospital, 4400 Clayton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110.