JOSEPH TUCKER

Spanaway, Washington - Colonel Joe Tucker (USAF, ret) of Spanaway died July 8, 2022 with his beloved wife of 30 years, Sandy, at his side. Joe was born Jan. 7, 1930 in La Grange, Mo., son of Joseph and Julia (Elliott) Tucker.

Joe grew up on a Missouri farm and graduated from LaGrange High School in a class of 19. He attended Culver-Stockton College for two years and then Northeast Missouri Teachers College, where he signed a professional baseball contract with the St. Louis Browns. Shortly afterward he found he could not hit a curve ball and in 1950 enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.

In 1951, Joe married Dorothy Brown while at Norton AFB, CA. They raised four children together during his Air Force years. He rose to the rank of staff sergeant before being commissioned a second lieutenant in 1953 through the Officers Candidate School program. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology in 1959 atthe University of Washington (go Huskies) and in 1965, a Master of Science at Texas A&M (go Aggies).

From there he was assigned to the United States Strike Command and subsequently to the Military Assistance Command, South Vietnam. There, as a major, Joe was awarded the Legion of Merit by Gen. Creighton Abrams, commander of U.S. Forces in Vietnam. Joe believed this presentation ceremony to be the proudest moment of his career.

On his return from Vietnam, Joe was assigned to Langley AFB, VA where he was promoted to lieutenant colonel in 1970 and full colonel in 1974. His last assignment was to Hickam AFB, HI where he assumed command of the 1st Weather Wing in 1976. He retired from that command and the Air Force in June 1978.

Col. Tucker’s military decorations include the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Longevity Award with five oak leaf clusters, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Palm.

An award that Joe was most proud of was his appointment by the enlisted men and women of 5th Weather Wing to honorary enlisted status in 1974 in the grade of Chief Master Sergeant.

Joe loved golf and shared many great times with golfing buddies on courses around the world and at the former Oakbrook Country Club where he was a member for over 20 years. He was particularly proud of his three holes in one. He enjoyed doing volunteer work in the community and for the Catholic chapel on McChord AFB. For a number of years, he served on the parish council and co-chaired the Outreach Committee. He was a life member of the Air Force Association and active in the McChord Chapter since 1979, serving as its president for three terms.

Col. Tucker’s greatest love, after his wife and family, was the U.S. Air Force and the career that took a Missouri farm boy all over the world.

He is survived by his four children, Cheryl Tucker (Rick Fraser); Lt. Col. (USAF, ret) Joe Tucker (Kristy); Margaret Tucker (Max Theobald); and Jana Helzer (Stuart); five stepdaughters, Laurie Lasky (John); Lisa Bizzell; Lynnette Fredericksen; Cathy Fitzer (Trace); and Diana Young; 16 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.

He was especially proud of the heritage he began with a son and two grandsons in the Air Force.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jane Yowell and nephew Brad Yowell.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated July 23 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church.