ROBERT L. TUCKER

In loving memory of our dear father, uncle, brother, and "Baba" we announce the passing of Robert Lewis Tucker, 71, a resident of rural Churubusco, on July 8, 2012 in Ft Wayne, Indiana. Growing up in the blue ridge mountains, young hillbilly Bob enjoyed fishing for rainbow trout, picking up arrowheads behind Harvey's plow, singing in the church choir, playing the trombone, battling the occasional rattler, and filling his lunch box with rocks to save himself from the school bully.


With parents, Paul and Helen Tucker and brother, Wayne (Charlotte, NC), the family moved around to follow his father's job. He attended 10 Elementary Schools, 6 Junior Highs, and 4 high schools; graduating from Lockport High School (Lockport, IL).Bob continued hitchhiking through life with his Elvis sideburns and guitar; putting himself through various midwestern colleges (graduating from the University of Evansville). He met the love of his life, Nancy Buesching, in Ft Wayne, IN and married in December, 1962. They were blessed with two spunky children Rhonda (and Todd Jones of rural Pierceton, IN) and Rene' (and Joseph Leitheim of Hamilton, IN) whom he spoiled rotten with amazing homemade Halloween costumes, hiking in state parks, beach stays, amazing tinking trips, and fabulous international vacations.

Besides being a super Dad, Bob was known to perform many heroic deeds. He once burst through a screened door to save a shrieking damsel in distress who was being held on the ground and tortured by a deviant (who later turned out to be her tickling husband). He battled 3 sharks, a chainsaw, a barracuda, and a vicious mule. He also rescued his daughters from a bear attack (which later turned out to be a squirrel).

After a brief stop in Evansville working for Marsh McLennan, they settled in Noblesville, IN where Bob continued insurance sales with The Pillar Group (Indpls, IN). He developed several new types of insurance coverage during his career and is still known as the "most honest insurance man in Indianapolis." In 1992, they moved to rural Thorntown, IN where Bob began a new passion.He joined Lebanon Rotary Club where he enjoyed singing and playing his guitar, working at the track, serving as President, and visiting Clubs around the world.

However his real passion was being Grandpa to Zachary, Cassie, and Emily Jones and Cherrish and Nathaniel Leitheim.He entertained them with limitless games of crow trap, Nintendo, pool flushing, singing, and tinking.He moved to rural Churubusco in 2010 to be closer to his grandkids. He joined the Churubusco Rotary to continue his "service above self" dedication.

While our Dad & Hero has left us unexpectedly, we are comforted that he has reunited with his beloved wife who left us just weeks earlier. In accordance with his wishes, no services will be held. To honor his memory and love of music alongside our mother's love of nursing, we have created the Tucker-Buesching Scholarship which will provide scholarships to local music and nursing students. Donations may be sent in care of Whitley County Community Foundation, 400 N Whitley St, Columbia City, IN 46725.Arrangements have been entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City, IN.