5/26/1921 ~ 5/28/2003
Dr. Eldon B. Tucker Jr. passed away unexpectedly at home of heart failure.
Dad was born in Cincinnati, OH to Dr. Eldon B. Tucker Sr. and Ada Wotring Tucker. He was raised in Morgantown, WV. Schools he attended in WV were: 2nd Ward, Central, Morgantown High, Greenbriar Military School, West Virginia University (Phi Tan Theta Fraternity, Sigma Theta). Graduated from WVU as Alpha Epsilon Delta and Phi Beta Kappa in May 1942, with a bachelor's degree in Pre-Med. He attended Med School at WVU for two more years, went to Fort Hayer in Columbus, OH and was inducted into the ASTP (Army Specialized Training Program). He served as a Captain in the Army during World War II, mostly in Japan, traveling throughout Japan, China and the Philippines on. He finished his schooling in Cincinnati, OH in June 1945.
Specializing in Anesthesio-logy, he interned at St. Francis Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA, in Georgia, Texas, Manila, Clark Field, Guam, and Osaka Japan. He worked alongside his father in WV before moving to Salt Lake City, UT.
Dec 6, 1950 he married Dorothy Frances Davies. In May 1958 he moved the family to Salt Lake City, UT, where he did his residency at several hospitals: the VA Hospital, Old County, St. Mark's and LDS. The rest of his career as an Anesthesiologist was spent working at Cottonwood Hospital.
Dad and Mom had six children. Dad was a "family man," spending most of his free time with his family traveling, camping, movies, boating. He traveled to many countries around the world with Mom.
He provided his family with so many fun activities. He was a very active man and still went swimming up until he died. He very much loved his family in West Virginia and always talked about moving back there someday. His love of genealogy drew him to Salt Lake City. He spent his whole life researching family history as a hobby. Dad loved children very much and always wished that he had pursued a career working with children; kids also loved him. He was very special to his grandchildren and to all of their friends who also called him "Grampa." Everyone who ever met Dad loved him, with his silly sense of humor and his quiet, warm, and gentle ways. He was a generous man, not only helping out family, but also giving to various charities and churches throughout his life. He was the most unpretentious, loving man we have ever known. No words can ever describe how deeply he will be missed. "We will always love you Dad!"
Churches Dad attended: Wesley Methodist in West Valley, First Methodist, Christ Methodist, Trinity Methodist, and Cottonwood Presbyterian Church, all in the Salt Lake area.
Preceded in death by both his parents; his wife, Dorothy, whom he personally nursed throughout cancer. Also preceded in death by many loved relatives. He is survived by his children, Eldon (Brenda), David, Bob (Patty), Charles (Barbara), Jim, Alice Boone (Randy Branch); former son-in-law, Mike Boone; grandchildren, Mike (Desirae), Tim and Jenny Boone (Alex), Galina, Geoffrey, Zak, Joe, Robbie, Stephanie, Tyler and Katie Tucker, Charice, Steven and Caleb Branch; great-grandchildren, Kaiden Boone and Valencia Cervantes; brother, John W. Tucker (Betty); sister, Mary L. Tucker; and many dear relatives and friends.
Services will be Wed. June 4, 2003, 10:30 a.m. at Memorial Mortuary (5850 S. 900 E. Salt Lake City, UT 84121, (801) 262-4631). Friends may call Tues. 6-8 p.m. and Wed. one hour prior to services. Interment, Murray City Cemetery, Murray, UT. Under the direction of Memorial Mortuary, Murray.