CORDOVA, TN- On December 7, 2017 with his brothers by his side, Kenneth Jasper Tucker III passed away after a brief illness at the age of 62. He was born in Sheepshead Bay, New York on September 11, 1955 to Kenneth J. Tucker and Marion (Carlson) Tucker, who have predeceased him. Ken was also predeceased by his beloved Nana, Ada May Tucker, who took care of her boys and moved in with them after their mother passed.
Ken graduated from Fox Lane High School in Bedford, New York in 1973 and State University at New Paltz with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry in 1979. He also had pursued a graduate degree in Chemistry at State University at New Paltz. Currently, Ken was a student at Southwest TN Community College in Memphis, TN where he was studying Computer Information Technology, maintaining an A average.
In 1988, Ken moved to Tennessee. His most recent employer was BASF Corporation in Arkansas where he was employed as an Industrial Chemist for 29 years.
Ken was a lifelong student and veracious reader, especially on the topic of the Civil War. He loved everything outdoors including hunting, camping, and taking walks with his family dogs, Dundah, and Smokeys 1 and 2. Known as “Chef Ken” for his library of cookbooks, which he utilized when cooking meals for his invited guests. His most recent passion was researching the Tucker genealogy, which led him to the discovery of relatives in Albany and Sleepy Hollow, New York. He truly enjoyed Christmas and shopping for unique gifts for his friends and family. Nicknamed “Mail Order Ken,” he was a professional at finding distinctive gifts long before Amazon even existed.
The family had a summer home for years on Pawling Lake Estates and in 1973 converted it to a year round residence where Ken made many wonderful, lifetime friends. He loved partying and enjoyed swimming laps across the lake.
Ken looked forward to his visits back home to visit his younger “bros,” Kevin (Metuchen, NJ) and Arthur (Pawling, NY) and his wife Nancy. Uncle Kenny was the best uncle to Christopher, Amanda, Kathleen, and Alexander.
Ken’s friends may share their memories with the family during calling hours, which will be Wednesday, December 13th 2-4 and 7-9 at Horn & Thomes, Inc. Funeral Home, 83 East Main St. Pawling, NY. Prayers will be offered at 11 AM on Thursday, December 14th at Horn & Thomes. Burial will be at Pawling Cemetery.
As only Ken would have it, food and drinks for his family and friends will follow to celebrate his life. For directions or to leave an online condolence, please visitwww.hornandthomesfuneralhome.com
