Ronald Dale Tucker

Ronald Dale Tucker, 86, passed away on October 27, 2024, in Shorewood, Ill., surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on February 18, 1938, at home on the farm in Palco, Kansas, to Harold and Delphine Tucker.

Ron spent his early years on the farm and attended school in Palco. He and his beloved wife, Peggy D. (Bell) Tucker, were high school sweethearts. During his school years, Ron was an outstanding student. He played in the Palco Band, participated in performing arts, and enjoyed playing football, basketball, and baseball. He graduated from Palco High School in 1956 and began college at Fort Hays State.

Ron and Peg were married in Oxnard, Calif., on August 30, 1958. In September, he and Peggy transferred to Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, where he earned a mechanical engineering degree, and they had their first child, Parker. After graduation, Ron worked for City Service Oil in Oklahoma City, Okla., where their first daughter, Tracey, was born. Moves took them to Monroe, La., Brownfield, Texas, and then to Augusta, Kansas, where they completed their family with another daughter, Paige, and a son, Corey.

The family moved for the last time in 1970 to Shorewood, Ill. It was at the Mobil refinery where Ron spent the majority of his working years. During that time, he held many titles, including project engineer, maintenance engineer, maintenance manager, and project supervisor. The one title, however, that brought the most laughter and joy was becoming the unofficial retirement roastmaster. Ron held that role until he retired in 1994. After retirement, he was also an active member of the Exxon Mobil retiree club.

Ron, a natural tenor, shared his gift through the church choir and the Joliet Chamber Choir. In conjunction with his singing talent, he was also a natural-born musician and played many instruments by ear. Ron had the uncanny ability to put people at ease and had a fabulous sense of humor. He shared those gifts with all he knew. Ron's favorite pastimes included spending time with Peggy, traveling to see their children and grandchildren, reading, listening to music, and watching the Cubs, Bears, and Bulls, even when they weren't winning.

He is survived by his loving wife, Peggy, of 66 years; his children, Parker (Rhonda), Tracey (Jonathan) Levine, Paige (Phil) Daniels, and Corey; his grandchildren, Lauren (Tim), Lindsay, Caitlin (Taylor), Callie (Ryan), Jordan, Trent, Savana, Ciara, and Skyler; and his great-grandchildren, Milo, Alaya, and Flora.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Delphine Tucker, and his sister Kay (Glen) Thomas.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Grace United Methodist Church, 1718 Avalon Ave., Joliet, IL 60435. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Grace United Methodist Church, the American Cancer Society, Lightways Hospice, or a charity of your choice.

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com.