Gary Dale Tucker-Benton, Illinois

Gary Dale Tucker, born on August 23, 1951, passed away peacefully at Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville, Indiana, on February 20, 2026.

Gary dedicated much of his professional life to Hamilton County Schools, where he spent most of his career at Hamilton County Preschool. There, he was affectionately known as “Mr. Gary” to generations of young children and their families. His warm presence and kind spirit made him a beloved figure, outings to Walmart or other local businesses were frequently interrupted by excited cries of “Mr. Gary! Mom, there’s Mr. Gary!” – a testament to the lasting impact he had on those he served.

After retiring, Gary continued his passion for children by babysitting his younger grandchildren. He often joked with his characteristic humor, “The pay isn’t good, but the benefits are great.” His love for family extended beyond his immediate circle; he cherished time spent with friends and was a faithful member of Dahlgren Community Chapel, where he deeply valued his church family.

Gary is survived by his wife, Karen (Upchurch) Tucker, sons Wesley Tucker and Skyler Tucker (Jamie); grandchildren Keagen Tucker, Kollin Tucker, Shauna Tucker, Jesse Tucker, and Claire Tucker; brother Bradley Tucker (Karla); Bettye Starkey, his late son Dakota’s fiancée; and many extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Dakota Logan Tucker; his parents, Johnny W. Tucker, and Mildred Smith Tucker; brother Johnny Logan Tucker; and sister Phyllis Tucker Feuquay.

Gary’s legacy of kindness, dedication to children, and unwavering love for his family and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed. Gary’s wishes were to be cremated with a private family celebration of life at a later date.

The family prefers memorial contributions be made in lieu of flowers to the Dakota Tucker Memorial Scholarship at the SIUE School of Pharmacy at https://connect.siue.edu/g/dakota-tucker-memorial, which supports future pharmacy students in honor of Dakota.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation services.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of “Mr. Gary” go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.