THOMAS ROBERT TUCKER

Age 87, of Burton, OH, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2021, at University Hospitals in Cleveland. Born August 27, 1934 to Robert and Gertrude (nee: Fletcher) Tucker in Cleveland, then moved to Aurora where he was raised.

After graduating from Shaw High School in 1952, he attended Kent State University, but wanted to focus on building his photography skills and transferred to Antonelli School of Photography in Philadelphia, PA and the Doscher Country School of Photography in Woodstock, VT. He then proudly served in the US Air Force from 1955-1959 as a flight photographer and a Crew Chief of a team creating training films, news reels and documentaries all over the United States. His love of photography spanned his entire life, working for the C&O/B&O Railroad where he was promoted to Chief Photographer, during which time he was selected as the single official photographer to ride on the funeral train of President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1969.  In 1974, he joined the Eaton Corporation where he proudly built the 1^st audio/visual department for Eaton.  He retired in 1995, but continued to consult with Eaton for many years on their worldwide conferences.

Tom and his wife, Mary Coe (nee: Downes) married in 1962, resided in Chagrin Falls and then moved to Burton in 1975 where they raised their family.  He enjoyed camping with his family and friends, capturing many special moments on film, as the “official” family photographer. All of the dogs of his life held a special place in his heart, especially Lexie, his beloved Skye terrier and most recently, Willow, his lap dog which brought him great comfort in these last few months.

Survivors include: his wife, Mary Coe; son, Robert (Kathy) Tucker of Nelson, OH; daughter, Ann (David) Wilmot of Burton, OH; grandchildren, Sara (fiancée, Dino Pieronek); great grandchildren, Evelyn and Adalyn Pieronek; brother William (Lesley) Tucker; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Roger and Kathryn Downes; sister-in-law, Kathy Downes; brother-in-law, Scott Downes; and his best friend, James Spring.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Tom’s favorite charities – St. Jude’s Hospital and the Rescue Village.

 Arrangements made by the Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon, Ohio.

Information and condolences on-line at www.burrservice.com.