Jake T. Tucker

Jake T. Tucker, age 89, of West, passed away late Thursday morning, July 14, 2016 at West Rest Haven in West. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 18, 2016 at the First Baptist Church in West, with Rev. Todd Ewing and Henry Apperson officiating. Military Graveside Rites will follow at Bold Springs Cemetery, conducted by West Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive visitors from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Aderhold Funeral Home. Jake was born December 13, 1926 in West, the son of T.W. (Tommie) and Sallie (Denton) Tucker. He attended West schools and was a 1945 graduate of West High School, where he excelled in football. He graduated from Hillsboro Jr College and then continued his education at Baylor University, graduating in 1951 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Jake served his country with the United States Navy during World War II aboard the USS Jason. On April 27, 1951 he was united in marriage to Bettye Shockley in Mart. Jake was the owner of West Lumber Company in West for 55 years before retiring in 2004. He and his wife were also owners of J&B Realty in West. Jake was a lifelong and faithful member of the First Baptist Church of West, where he served as a deacon, taught Sunday School and sang in the choir. He was also a member of the West V.F.W. Post #4819, American Legion Post #478, Westfest Associate Director and also served as past president of the West Kiwanis Club. Jake served for over 50 years with the West Volunteer Fire Department and was one of the first Junior fireman at age 16. He also served on the West City Council and was a founding board member of West Rest Haven Board of Directors and served for 46 years. Jake volunteered as leader for the local Boy Scout troop, until he was blessed with three girls. From then he was a devoted Girl Scout cookie consumer and eater for over 50 years. He enjoyed flying his airplane, farming, tending to his cattle, playing 42 dominos, playing volleyball with life long friends, and was an avid sports fan of the West High Trojans and Baylor Bears. Survivors include his beloved wife of 65 years, Bettye Tucker of West; daughters, Gayle Gardner of West, Kaye Tucker and husband Mike Doyle of Austin, and Anne Flores and husband Scott of Plano; a brother, R.D. "Dick" Tucker; a sister, Martha Hix and husband Gene; grandchildren, Michael Gardner, Sarah Gardner and Cami Flores; seven great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Active pallbearers are Mike Doyle, Scott Flores, Bill Tucker, Bob Tucker, Dave Shockley and Cleve Shockley. Honorary pallbearers are Deacons of First Baptist Church of West, West Volunteer Fire Department and West Rest Haven Administration and Board. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of West, West Volunteer Fire Department or West Rest Haven Disaster Relief Fund.