Kenneth Ralph Tucker

Kenneth Ralph Tucker, affectionately known as Ken or Kenny, was born on February 27, 1942, in Galveston, Texas to Carrel and Adred Tucker, the youngest of three brothers: Doug and Coleman. Eleven years later, his sister Rita arrived, and Kenny often found himself caring for her, as his older brothers managed to escape that responsibility.

The Tucker family moved frequently, never staying in one place for too long. Their journey took them from Galveston to California, Denver, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and Colorado. Eventually, they settled in Delta, where Kenny graduated high school in 1960. A write-up about the graduating students described Kenny as “a boy with nothing but good looks, and a pleasant smile, will be leaving DHS with nothing but regrets from the underclassmen (girls especially). We are speaking of none other than Kenneth Tucker.”

During this time, Kenny met Shirley Overman, who would become the love of his life. Though a few years younger, Shirley and Kenny dated for a while before he decided he wasn't ready to settle down just yet. In 1961, Kenny traveled to California with Coleman and worked for Rocketdyne, a company specializing in building rockets. He also ventured to Europe with a friend, returning in 1963 to receive his draft letter for the Army.

Kenny joined the Army and deployed to Vietnam in 1964, traveling on the USNS Barrett. He was stationed at the 85th Evac Hospital and returned home in 1966. He remained in the Army Reserve until 1970. Although deeply affected by the war and not in agreement with it, Kenny served his country with pride and received several medals for his service.

After his service, Kenny returned to Delta and attended Mesa State College in Grand Junction, working nights as a DJ at a radio station and soon reunited with Shirley. In 1968, he was accepted at CSU and invited Shirley to join him in Fort Collins, to which she happily agreed. Kenny and Shirley were married in Reno, Nevada, and stayed at the Lucky Motel—a fitting name for the beginning of their fortunate journey together.

In 1971, Kenny graduated from CSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology. The couple traveled through Durango after spending time in Mazatlán, Mexico and fell in love with the quiet town, deciding to make it their home. Many family members followed, including Rita, Coleman, his parents, an aunt and uncle, many cousins and friends! Kenny and Shirley took a job with the Forest Service cleaning campgrounds in West Dolores and Priest Gulch, enjoying the beauty of nature and the outdoors.

In 1976, Kenny and Shirley built their log cabin home, which offered beautiful views and porches where they would relax daily, watching sunsets and wildlife. Kenny’s carpentry shop was the site of many handcrafted furniture pieces, treasured by those lucky enough to receive them.

The couple loved to travel, exploring the western United States. Favorite destinations included the Pacific coastline, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and Mexico. Unforgettable trips on Lake Powell on a houseboat with friends and visits to Grand Mesa for snowmobiling and fishing were highlights of their adventures.

Kenny possessed many skills and held a variety of jobs throughout his life. He built and remodeled homes, worked with Western Scientific Services tracking and filling weather balloons in Colorado and Montana, and trained young men in construction for the City of Durango. Kenny also worked for Tucker Construction alongside his cousins. His final and favorite position was at the historic Teelawuket Ranch at Vallecito, where he spent 20 years remodeling cabins and overseeing ranch operations. He retired at age 70 in 2011 to spend more time traveling with Shirley and enjoying life together.

Kenny was known for his gentle nature and big heart. He loved animals, especially dogs and cats, and was always eager to meet them and learn their names. Kenny and Shirley shared their home with many beloved pets over the years.

Their nieces and nephews admired Kenny and Shirley deeply: Jessica (Doug), Josalyn (Ryan), Tracy (Max), Todd (Anna), Mike (Carol), Eron (Mark), Christopher (Val), David (Susan), Chris (Kristal), Curt, and Thirza (Don), along with many great nieces and nephews. Kenny was a mentor and cherished figure to many who knew him—he was truly loved.

As we reflect on Kenny’s life, we remember how meaningful and precious his presence was. His passing on December 10, 2025, has left a void that cannot be filled, but his spirit remains with us. We are grateful to the doctors, nurses, CNAs, Hospice, friends, and family who supported Kenny and our family throughout his journey. Kenny is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shirley, his brother Douglas in Bullhead, AZ, sister Rita Warfield in Durango, in-laws Betty (Gary) Doudy and Danny (Tricia) Overman, and many cousins across New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, and beyond.

Kenny and Shirley shared a wonderful life together, although the time never felt long enough. We remember Kenny through stories and memories—his love of canoeing, fly fishing, biking, hiking, walking the riverfront trail, camping, skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. His smile, playful tricks, unwavering support, and deep love for his wife and everyone who knew him continue to inspire us.

In memory of Kenny, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, La Plata County Humane Society, or toward planting a tree in his name in the spring.

A memorial service will be held in early May 2026, with an announcement to follow.