THOMAS A. TUCKER

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas A. Tucker, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, who left this world on March 7, 2025, at the age of 78. A nearly lifelong resident of Hillman, Michigan, he spent years cultivating a life brimming with love, laughter, and generosity.

Born in Hillman on Nov. 12, 1946, to the late William and Isabelle (Edmonds) Tucker, Tom was the second youngest of 12 children. He often joked that he was born in the barn–because he was. As a child, he met the love of his life, Susie Smith, at The United Methodist Church, where their friendship began with passing notes and playing footsie during Sunday services. They married in 1966, sharing 58 remarkable years together.

Tom was a proud father to five beloved children: Kimberly Tucker, Lisa (Craig) Zimmer, Jennifer Tucker, Rebecca Tucker, and Edward (Katelyn) Tucker – a son who was a great gift to them later in life. Alongside Sue, he opened his heart and home to many others, including exchange students from around the world and foster children. His generosity was boundless.

He raised his family next door to his brother Maurice and his family, who lived on the family farm, which all 12 Tucker children called home. Their father moved there with his large family in the early 1940s from nearby Long Rapids. The barn where Tommy Tucker was born still stands today.

A man of unwavering faith, Tom was a longtime member of the Hillman Methodist Church, where he was a member of the choir.

An avid outdoorsman, Tom loved fishing and hunting. He was infamous for recounting tales of reeling in big fish. He also cooked the fish for their nearly weekly fish fries with friends and family. His stories–with dramatic flair and a twinkle in his eye–never failed to entertain those around him.

Tom worked for several years installing flooring and later drove trucks for R.A. Townsend Co. He was also a volunteer E.M.T. with the Hillman Ambulance Service for many years, along with his wife and a few close friends (you know who you are).

He is survived by his loving wife, his children, nine grandchildren: Caleb (Kourtney), Brenden (Katie), Nicholas, and Brady Zimmer, Alita, Brendan, Ashlynn, and Gavin Richard, and Jason Tucker, five great-grandchildren, and his siblings, Shirley (John) Herring, Cecil (Judy), and Maurice (Donna). He also leaves countless friends and extended family members who will miss his generous spirit and beaming smile.

Tom was preceded in death by his siblings, Elizabeth, Lloyd, MacArthur, William, Bernard, Joan Myers, Nora Zotteneck, and Gladys Bennett.

A celebration of Tom’s life will take place Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Emerick Park in Hillman at 2 p.m.

His legacy of love, laughter, and hospitality will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, memories of his kind spirit and sense of humor will continue to bring smiles to those who knew and loved him.