Herschel Thomas Tucker

Herschel "Tom" Thomas Tucker, 79, of East Peoria, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, at his residence.  He was born June 23, 1946, in Los Angeles, CA, to Herschel E. Tucker and Marjorie (Lehman) Tucker, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him were two sisters, Mary Kay Dalrymple, Teresa Holford, and one brother, David Tucker.

He is survived by his partner Margaret; two children, Aimee Tucker, and Herschel "Tom" Tucker II (Beth); seven siblings, John Tucker (Kathy) of Goodfield, IL, Kathy Elliot (Dwight) of Mossville, IL, Donna Mason (Greg) of Texas, Jack Tucker (Debra) of Long Beach, MS, Kimberly Douglas, Karen McGuire of Mississippi, and Kelly Lucas of Missouri; six grandchildren, Haely Rhoades, Ava Covington, Easton Tucker, Evan Bailey (Ashli), Maggie Deckard, Mark Deckard; eight great grandchildren, twenty nieces and nephews, along with friends that he considered his family.

He graduated from Peoria High School, where he played basketball. Soon after high school, he served in the US Army.

Tom enjoyed automobile collecting, was the President of the Central Illinois Nova Club, and was an integral member of the Princeville Historical Society tasked with rejuvenating the original Princeville one-room schoolhouse. Having a soft spot for animals, he never hesitated to take in a stray animal. He also loved the beach, old Western films, and a good/competitive card game. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.