Joseph M. Tucker

Joseph Major Tucker, 96, of Idaho Falls, died Feb. 9, 1998, at Columbia Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

He was born Oct. 31, 1901, at Limestone, Tenn., to Dr. Rufus Dudley Tucker and Sarah Louise Bailey Tucker.

The family moved to Idaho Falls after his birth, and he spent his early years in Lewisville, Spencer, Rigby and Roberts.

He attended the Idman School, east of Spencer.

On April 5, 1925, he married Grace Gneiting at Challis, Idaho, his wife of 72 years.

Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.

They made their home in Firth, Menan and Idaho Falls, where he was a potato buyer, farmer, county appraiser, and real estate agent.

They moved to Idaho Falls 40 years ago.

An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in many callings, including bishop, temple worker and sealer, and served three full-time missions with his wife.

He enjoyed reading, singing, and playing the ukelele.

Survivors include his wife, Grace of Idaho Falls; children, J. Dudley (wife, Joyce) Tucker of Ucon, Idaho, Tom (wife, Glenda) Tucker of Idaho Falls, Paul (wife, Pat) Tucker, and Susan (husband, Nyle) Kinghorn, both of Seattle, Wash., and Barbara (husband, Don) Giauque of Midway, Utah; a brother, David Tucker of Salt Lake City; a sister, Martha Fugate of Salt Lake City; 32 grandchildren; 90 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two daughters, Betty and Jackie; seven sisters; and two brothers.

Funeral services will be Saturday at noon at the Idaho Falls LDS Grandview Ward, 1450 Mountain View Lane, with Bishop Lloyd Petersen officiating.

The family will visit with friends Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Ave. in Idaho Falls, and Saturday for one hour before services at the church.

Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.