John Max Tucker

John "Max" Tucker

John "Max" Tucker, 73, departed this life peacefully on May 23, 2009 and is seated at the right hand of our heavenly Father. His loving daughter, son-in-law, and friends were by his side. He was born in Palestine, Texas on December 7, 1935. Max graduated high school from St. Joseph's Academy in Abilene, Texas and attended McMurry and Odessa College. On July 15, 1956, he married Sarah Wolfrum . He worked at West Texas Utilities, Shell Oil Company, and was Head of Maintenance Department for McCamey ISD.

Max was a very dedicated volunteer and touched many lives through his commitment and bravery. He volunteered as a Little League Baseball Coach, a Boy Scout Troop Master, and an Emergency Medical Technician. He was one of the first members of the Ambulance Service. Max was on the Parish Council, Finance and Building Committees at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Lion's Club and served on the Water Board and the City Council for many years. He was elected as Mayor of McCamey for two consecutive terms. Max was with the McCamey Volunteer Fire Department for 45 years and served as Fire Chief for over 10 years. His dedication and loyalty will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He had many interests including bass fishing, golf, hunting, square dancing, and was an avid reader. Max Tucker was loved by many. He was hard working, humble, kind, gentle, genuine, and always put others before himself. We are all so very thankful for his life and feel blessed to have known him.

He was proceeded in death by his wife Sarah Tucker; his father John D. Tucker; and his mother Mignon Tucker. He is survived by his daughter, Melissa Kirby and husband Edwin of Tyler, TX; three grandchildren, Tucker Kirby, Taylor Kirby, and Tiffany Kirby, all of Tyler; and one brother, Stanley Tucker of Amarillo, Texas.

Services to honor and celebrate Max's life: Rosary will be said at 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 28, 2009 at the Shaffer-Nichols Funeral Home Chapel in McCamey. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 29, 2009 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father James P. Bridges officiating. Burial will follow in the Resthaven Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Shaffer-Nichols Funeral Home. Memorial contributions can be made to McCamey Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 967, McCamey, Texas 79752.