Ernest Tucker, 83

Ernest H. Tucker, 83, of Boise, formerly of Mountain Home, died May 4, 2006, after battling cancer and heart trouble for four years.

A graveside ceremony will be conducted at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery on Friday, May 19 at 3 p.m. with military honors, followed by a graveside service done by officers of the Mountain Home Elk's Lodge #2276 of which he, his daughter and one granddaughter are members.

Tucker was born May 13, 1922, and raised in Boise. He attended Boise High School and later took some courses at Boise Junior College.

He served in the Coast Guard from 1940-1946. He was proud of his status as a survivor of Pearl Harbor. He followed the history of his ship, the USS Taney, long after he left military service.

His lifelong love was golf. He worked many years as a golf pro in his family's business, The Plantation Golf Course, which the family sold in 1968.

He later became an independent businessman, going into the restaurant business and, after marrying Mary Jones in the early 1970s, purchased a restaurant in Mountain Home, where he resided for approximately 20 years.

After retiring, he loved to follow the accomplishments of his grandchildren, his family said, adding, "He was a source of guidance to all his family, a devoted husband, a gentle and respected father and step-father and a loving grandfather. His love and guidance will be missed."

Tucker was a member of Dawn Bible Students, finding the Lord an important part of daily life. He was also a member of Mountain Home Elks Lodge #2276, a life member of VFW Post 63 and a DAV member.

Ernie, as he liked to be called, is survived by a large family including: his wife, Mary, of Boise; two children from his first marriage, Dr. Robert W. Tucker and Susan Tucker-Ketchum, both of Boise; three step-children, John and Wynn Jones, both of Boise, and Bobbie Hadley of Salt Lake City; his children-in-law, Michelle, Becky, Clark and Jan; ten grandchildren and one great-grandson.

He is survived by: two sisters, Peggy Tregoning and JoAnn Nelson; one brother, Myron Tucker, and their respective families, as well as one brother-in-law, P. Yanuta.

The family suggests memorials to the Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Hospital, a project in which four generations of Tucker's family have had involvement, or VFW Post 63.