L. Reed Tucker passed away from post-surgery complications on March 15, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Always known as Reed, he was born on Mother’s Day, May 11,1947, in Provo, Utah, to George Travers Tucker, Jr., and Thaola Humphrey. Reed was the third of six children: George Terrell, Karen, Steven Sidney, Neil Blair, and Van Richard. Reed spent his entire childhood in the same house in Orem, Utah, where he enjoyed riding horses, camping, hunting, and fishing. He graduated from Orem High School in 1965, where he participated on the state championship football and track teams, playing tight end and setting state records in pole vault. Reed continued his love for sports after college by officiating high school and college football and basketball for thirty years. He served as district basketball commissioner and state rules interpreter for ten years and earned State of Idaho Official of the Year awards for his work in both football and basketball.
Reed was attending Dixie Junior College in St. George, Utah, on a football and track scholarship when he met his forever companion, Diana Rose Olsen. They were married in the St. George LDS Temple on July 7, 1967. Together, they had four children: Jennifer, Gary, Karen, and Alisa. After living for a short time in Utah, the family moved to Twin Falls, Idaho, in 1973 where Reed worked for Boise Cascade before founding Tucker Lumber in 1984. He later worked as a salesman for various businesses and as a commercial driver. He loved driving big diesel trucks around Magic Valley and buses to various local sports competitions. Reed loved driving the teams around and would often watch them compete before driving them home.
Tuc loved the mountains dearly and spent nearly fifty years traveling and guiding horse pack trips in Idaho’s backcountry, where he also worked as a backcountry trail rider for the US Forest Service. He thoroughly enjoyed riding, training, packing, and shoeing his horses. He also loved his country. He proudly flew the American flag in his yard and often teared up when he heard “Battle Hymn of the Republic” or “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Reed was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. While he always loved serving in the Church, his favorite calling was serving in the Twin Falls Temple with Diana. He served as an ordinance worker and trainer for eleven years. He had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and loved to share it with friends and family.
Reed never met a stranger and loved to chat. More than anything, Reed loved with his whole heart, and his family meant everything to him. He rarely missed an opportunity to express his love for each one and attended as many concerts, plays, matches, games, and recitals as he could. He took every opportunity to nap with his grandkids, tell Scratch stories, and “play rough.” He was famous for giving wet Willies and eating Falls Brand hot dogs, root beer barrels, diet Pepsi, and root beer floats. We will all miss his signature “Love you, Heber,” and big hugs and kisses.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Diana; brothers Neil Blair (Debbie), Van Richard (Sue), and sister-in-law Pat Tucker; children Jenny (Brad) Denton of Mesa, Arizona, Gary (Heather) Tucker of Malad, Idaho, Karen (Matthew) Thompson and Alisa (Matt) Radmall, both of Twin Falls, Idaho; 20 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Terry and Rocco (Steve), sister Karen, and one grandchild.
Services will be held in both Mesa, Arizona (where he had recently moved), and Jerome, Idaho. A visitation will be held Tuesday March 26 from 11:30 am-12:30 pm at Bunker Mortuary 33 N. Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ, followed by a graveside service around 1 pm at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street. A memorial service will be held Friday March 29 from 10-11 am Mountain Daylight Time at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 825 East Avenue B, Jerome, ID (Zoom link for memorial service: https://zoom.us/j/94554589920).
Family will greet visitors directly after the memorial service.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
Loved learning about your amazing father. Sending hugs. 🥰 how I love Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness. ♥️
What a wonderful tribute. I will never forget his Sweet comments.to me After a badly needing blessing, he gave. Those words come back to me often.
For 20 years we have known Reed and Diana. They were part of our family home evening group. Reed was well read in history and in the gospel. He was liked by my husband and I very much! Even though my name is Margaret, he called me Margo which was an endearing name to me. I will very much miss him in this life. I will miss my friend, his wife Diana, who now lives in Arizona. Time does not stop when a loved one passes through the veil, but we have a great hope and faith of seeing our friends and family once again! Love to all the Tucker family! ❤️
How I loved “Heber” as my cousin growing up. I loved watching him practice the pole vault and admire his perseverance and competitive attitude in the byu field house. I missed seeing him after he moved away. A great great man gone too soon. He had his values straight and his life purpose on track. Till we meet again “cuz” Ray
I remember the lumber store & driving down to Provo with you two along with Thaola during the time I was living in Twin Falls-many years ago. Diana so sorry for your loss, you two were always so welcoming and kind to me.
Reed was my handsome cousin. I grew up in Provo Utah, he in neighboring Orem. He was 3 years my senior. As a young girl growing up, our family visited his family too many times to count, especially in summer- enjoying he and his brothers along with my kind and musically talented Aunt Lola, who as a single mom had her own challenges raising five very active rambunctious boys. I remember being in awe of Reed’s athletic abilities and I especially valued his fun loving personality. He always made me feel special. It broke my heart a little (along with my other female cousins) when he abruptly changed his single status, marrying very young, as we all had a crush on him. However he obviously made the right choice when one time he remarked: ‘when I first saw Diana – that was it- she was the one!’ Although I’ll miss him and his distinctive voice, I’m relieved and grateful to know he’s now happily abiding among his many loved ones.. he led a full rich life, and I am proud to have known him and call him my cousin. Rest in peace dear Reed!
Dear friend,close friend . Tuck was Always so kind to us. We were kindred spirits.
Reed was always kind and friendly to me and I enjoyed our short visits….Love Matt and Karen and their family….Happy Trails Brother Reed……
Sorry to hear of Reed’s passing. He was my mentor when I started working at the Twin Falls temple and always had a gentle and sweet countenance.
I first became acquainted with Reed at Orem High School years ago. Even though he was a little bit older than me, he was always kind and encouraging to me on the football field. I always appreciated him for that. He was one of the most handsome guys at OHS! And years later, Blair, his younger brother, married my younger sister, Debbie. Small world indeed. Please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences at this difficult time in your lives. I know that you all will miss him so much. Each of you are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
Sorry to hear of your loss. Always remember serving with you in the temple.Great times. All our love and prayers.
I had the pleasure to work with Reed for our ward choir. His passion for music and his testimony in the power of it truly touched me. He taught me the importance of singing (or in my case playing) with the spirit. Thank you for sharing that with us Reed! You will be missed!
Loved that man! He was so fun and always had a side hug for me. I’m so sorry for loss. We will all feel it.
What a wonderful man, of course you are related Blair! I loved reading about his life! This is hard for all of you & my heart goes out to you & your wonderful family! Sending our love & condolences!❤️
We always enjoyed being around Reed when we were in the Kimberly First ward with the Tuckers. What a wonderful man he was! We send love and condolences to his family, especially Diana and Alisa. Families are forever! <3
Enjoyed meeting Reed and working with him in the Twin Falls Temple for many years. I loved to hear his stories!