Kenneth W. Tucker, 88

Kenneth W. Tucker, 88, of Sandpoint died Sunday, March 8, 2009 at Valley Vista Care Center. 

 He was born April 22, 1920, in Samuels, Idaho, the son of Valis and Cora Miller Tucker. He was raised in Bonner County, attended schools here, graduating Sandpoint High School in 1938.  After graduation he was in the Civilian Conservation Corps where he learned to be surveyor.

He enlisted in the Army and served in the European theatre during World War II.  While stationed in England he met Jean Haines and they were married there. After the war he and Jean returned to Sandpoint, but were later divorced. He married Mildred Hennion in Sandpoint in 1982 and she preceded him in death in 2006.

 Upon his return from the service he worked as a surveyor and surveyed much of Bonner County.  He later worked as a supervisor for the Bonneville Power Authority during the construction of power lines throughout the northwest.  He then worked for Pack River Lumber in Dover for a number of years, and later worked as a carpenter building commercial buildings in the Spokane area.  He later returned to Sandpoint, where he has since resided.

When his children were young he was very active in the scouting programs.  Throughout his life he enjoyed riding horses, hunting, fishing and all outdoor activities.

Kenneth is survived by three children, Dale (Sue) Tucker of Sagle, Neil (Mary) Tucker of Sandpoint, Gail Bishop of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; eight grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; a brother, Othel Tucker of Coeur’d Alene; and a sister, Ruth Weaver of Phoenix. He was preceded in death by his wife Mildred and four brothers, Alfred, Clifford, Ernest, and Clarence.

Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2009, at Coffelt Funeral Service, with the Rev. Stanley Norman, officiating. Military rites will be conducted by local veterans’ organizations. Friends may call at Coffelt Funeral Chapel on Friday from 3-6 p.m.

Family and friends are invited to sign Kenneth’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.