Larry Reed “Tuc” Tucker

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.