Gary Tucker, 58

Gary Neal Tucker, 58, of Melba, formerly of Glenns Ferry, died Sunday, Jan. 11, 2004, at his sister's home in Payette, surrounded by his loved ones.

Funeral services were held Jan. 15, at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel in Payette. Pastor Eldon Isaac officiated.

Gary was born in Jan. 11, 1946, in Nampa, the sixth child of Lewis and Blanche (Nicholas) Tucker.

He was born and raised in Melba, where he went to school. In high school he played football.

In his late teen years he moved to Glenns Ferry to work.

He married and had three daughters, Lisa, Nakeia and Sonja. He later divorced, and moved between Glenns Ferry and Melba. He eventually decided to stay in Melba where his parents were buried.

In November 2003 he became ill with lung cancer. "He fought a hard and long battle," his family said. "He never let it take over his humor. He was a fighter. He held on until his birthday for his daughters and grandchildren to be able to make peace and say goodbye." He died at his sister's home in Payette, in the arms of his daughters, holding him.

He is survived by: four daughters Nakeia Tucker of Mountain Home; Sonja Tucker of Mountain Home; Lisa Kay (Jesse) Lopez of Weiser; Lisa (David) Wurtz of Boise; eight grandchildren; one brother, Virgel (Dorothy) Tucker of Middleton; and sisters, Louise (Walt) Vallard of Mountain Home, Violet (Fred) Silva of Glenns Ferry, and Linda (JR) Guy of Payette.

He was preceded in death by both his parents, an infant daughter, LaDawn, and his sister, Mary Flood.

Memorials in his name, in lieu of flowers, can be sent to New Plymouth Assembly of God Church or XL Hospice, c/o Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O. Box 730, Payette, Idaho 83661.