Dennis Tucker

Dennis Tucker passed away on Saturday, February 20, 2021 at Mount Joseph Care Center in Concordia, Kansas at the age of 74.

He was born on September 2, 1946 in Burwell, Neb., to Cloatice and Alyce (Stapleman) Tucker. He grew up in Sargent, Neb. and graduated from Sargent Public High School with the Class of 1965. In May of 1970, he graduated from Chadron State College with a Bachelor of Education degree.

On October 25, 1969, Dennis was united in marriage to Shari Hale in Sargent, Neb. The Tuckers did not have biological children but spent many hours with students to fill the gap. Together, they purchased a vacant gas station and placed a 50’s shop which served food and ice cream, created a frisbee golf course and a RC race car track, mowed lawns for the city, citizens and country individuals, and made craft items for their Picket Fence Gift Shop in Plainville.

Dennis was a member of the Palco City Council, Palco Lions Club, McKenna Activity Center Board, and Palco Pride Committee. Through his 37 years at Damar Jr. High, he taught Science, History and Physical Education, coached football, girls and boys basketball and girls and boys track, sponsored Eighth Grade Class, Athletic Club and various educational field trips.

He enjoyed teaching and coaching junior high students, fishing with friends, riding in the Mule with his furry friend Sheba, listening to western or rock and roll music, making woodworking crafts, watching western movies, collecting Coca-Cola items, and car and gas station memorialia.

He is survived by his wife, Shari, of their home in Palco; Letty Divine (aunt) of Springfield, MO; cousins: Scott Divine, Steven Divine and wife Cassie of Nixa, Mo., Stacy Naughton and husband Mike of Bulverde, Texas, Kevin Divine, Tim Divine and wife Janie, Bill Divine  and wife Margent of Sargent, Neb.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cloatice and Alyce Tucker; in-laws, Raymond and Iona Hale; and sister-in-law, Kathy Pederson.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at Damar, at John F. Kennedy Gymnasium in Damar. Burial will be at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be designated to the Rooks County Hospital Foundation and may be left at the service or mailed to family 302 Fir Ave. Palco, KS. 67657.