Darrel Eugene Tucker, 87, of Hutchinson, died December 20, 2023, at Mennonite Friendship Communities, South Hutchinson. He was born September 22, 1936, in Haven, to Albert Theodore and Marjorie Arbel (Ketchum) Tucker.
Darrel graduated from Haven High School in 1955. He worked as a flower delivery driver for Caldwell Greenhouse for 35 years, the Reno County Fire Department for 11 years, and a driver for Dillons for seven years.
Darrel was a big sports’ fan. His favorite teams were the Kansas City Chiefs and KC Royals. In addition, he loved listening to Country music such as, Hank Williams and Roy Acuff, and gospel music. But most importantly, he loved eating his ice cream. Attending the Friday afternoon ice cream social at Mennonite Manor was a big highlight for him, he was able to sit and visit with his many friends he made while living there. He always received a cup as requested. Darrel also enjoyed spending time with his family, he took his daughters to all kinds of sporting events. Hutchinson Blue Dragon Basketball, Fun Valley Sports Complex for softball tournaments, and Hutchinson Broncos baseball games. His wife, Rosalie always purchased season tickets for him for his birthday every year for his sports events. Darrel played a little softball with his friend, Earl Geddes. He loved to bowl and had multiple bowling balls! He attended many bowling tournaments around the state. The bowling alley is where Darrel met his wife, Rosalie, and she accepted his invitation for a coffee date after.
On January 30, 1965, he married Rosalie Marie Kickhaefer, in Woodbine, KS. They shared over 47 years of marriage prior to her death on January 11, 2013.
Darrel is survived by: his daughters, Rebecca “Becky” Wallace of Hutchinson, Christina (Leroy) Tomms of Arlington, KS, Marjorie Kite of Hutchinson, KS, Phyllis (Steve) Griffin of Bluffton, IN, Kathlee Depetro of Hutchinson, KS; sisters, Dorothy Lee of Huntsville, AL, Donna Mae Gordy of El Dorado, KS, Darlene (Galenn) Mardis of Wichita, KS; 14 grandchildren; and 23 great- grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; wife; two granddaughters; and two sons-in-law.
Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Friday, December 29, 2023, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 407 E. 12th Ave, Hutchinson. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson. Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until service day and from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, December 28, 2023 with family present from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Elliott Mortuary.
Memorials are suggested to Darrel Tucker Memorial Fund, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.