Rev. James “David” Tucker, age 91, a resident of Fort Scott, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, September 11, 2021, at his home. He was born in Gravette, Arkansas, on December 20, 1929, to Charles Kenyan and Nora Belle Haddock Tucker, the youngest of 14 children. David gave his life to Christ as a teenager, and from that moment forward, his life was fully devoted to Christian service.
At the age of 16, he cleaned out a vacant church in Maysville, Arkansas, and began to hold revival services. During one of his sermons, the woodstove flue caught fire. He instructed everyone to move outdoors, where he continued his sermon as the church burned to the ground. He later rebuilt the church, and pastored there while raising his family.
In addition to his years as a traveling evangelist, he also held pastorates at the Church of God (Holiness) at 6th and Wilson Streets in Fort Scott; El Monte, California; Nevada, Missouri; Clarksburg Valley Chapel in Fort Scott; and Miami, Oklahoma.
He then returned to pastor at Clarksburg Valley Chapel, until his retirement at 89 years of age.
He never lost his passion to see others come to Christ.
David was known for his extensive knowledge and memorization of the Bible, and for his powerful prayers. David spent countless nights praying for his family, and because of his unwavering faith, his family has witnessed many miracles of healing and protection.
David also was a skilled carpenter, and built many houses throughout the years.
David married Betty Jean Bergen on June 27, 1951, in Neosho, Missouri. They were a shining example of commitment and teamwork as they served together at their pastorates over the years. Together, they raised six children. They remained sweethearts until the end, and could usually be found holding hands. They had just celebrated their 70th Anniversary in June.
David has an immediate family of over 60 members, who continue to gather in their homes for holidays. In addition to his wife, Betty Jean, survivors include 3 sons: Roger (Genie) Tucker of Independence, Missouri; Mark (Brenda) Tucker, and Joe (Belinda) Tucker, both of Fort Scott; daughters Carma Tucker of Fort Scott, and Kerri (Kirk) Bland of El Dorado Springs, Missouri; and a daughter-in-law, Carolyn Tucker of Fort Scott. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren and their spouses: Jonathan (Carlie) Tucker, Jessica (Chad) Rahe, Johanna (Chet) Parry, Jennifer (Matt) Snider, Whitney (Kyle) Rogers, Bethany (Brad) Blubaugh, Mariam (Levi) Self, Aaron (Cynthia) Tucker, Landon (Nancy) Simons, Jayce (Kristyn) Simons, Dakota Simons, Tucker Grigsby, Kasi Bland (fiance John Simrell), Alyson Bland, Joely (Scott) Womeldorff, Monica (Jared) Snyder, and Miles (Emmah) Dikeman; and 29 great-grandchildren, with one on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 8 brothers, 5 sisters, and his son James “Jimmy” Tucker, who passed away in February of 2021.
Rev. Dennis Bergen, assisted by Rev. Kyle Rogers, will conduct funeral services at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at Parkway Church of God (Holiness) in Fort Scott, Kansas.
A graveside service will be held at 3:30 PM, on Wednesday at the Banner Nazarene Church Cemetery in Splitlog, Missouri.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Fort Scott Christian Heights, and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel at 201 S Main Street or PO Box 347, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be shared to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.