Richard Wilson Tucker Sr., age 86, of St. James, Missouri, passed away January 5, 2026 at Phelps Health in Rolla, Missouri.

He was born September 28, 1939 at Dillon, Missouri, the son of Millard Wilson and Pansy Mary Perrot Tucker. He married Virginia Muriel Feeler Tucker on March 8, 1958, at St. James United Methodist Church. Richard cherished his family and lived a life filled with work, love, and adventure.

Richard is survived by his wife, Virginia Tucker, of St. James; his sons, Richard Tucker Jr. and wife Robin of St. James, Missouri, and Edward Wayne Tucker and wife Amber of Springfield, Missouri; his daughters, Sallee Bonham of Belle, Missouri, and Sharon Crain of Columbia, Missouri; his sister, Nancy McShannon of Marion, Illinois; and Kathleen Landreth and husband Ed of Amarillo, Texas. He was a proud grandfather to 18 grandchildren and great-grandfather to 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Nannette Schneider; two sons-in-law, Bill Bonham and Brad Bailey; and brother-in-law Malcolm McShannon.

Among his passions, Richard loved NASCAR, rebuilt and tinkered with lawn equipment—particularly wheel horses—and enjoyed working on John Deere tractors. He spent many summers, holidays, and weekends at the cabin on the Osage River, where he and his family fished, swam, and boated. He also owned motorcycles and Richard and Virginia traveled coast to coast when they were in there 70's.  Richard truly enjoyed life and cared deeply for his family.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday January 11, 2026 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri. Richard's family will officiate the service. The family welcomes anyone who might have a story to share about Richard. Scattering of his ashes will be held private at a location that was very special to Richard and to the family and will be held at a later date.

Online condolences maybe shared at www.jonesfunerals.com

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri