ALTON “TOM” LEE TUCKER, JR., age 87 of Crown Point and Ft. Myers Beach, FL., passed away on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 in Ft. Myers, FL. Alton was born in Lafayette, IN on November 17, 1930. He was preceded in death by his parents, Catherine and Alton Tucker, and stepfather, Eugene Stierheim. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Theresa (nee Polak) Tucker; his children: Thomas (Sharon) Tucker, Sandra (David) Kerr, David (Priscilla) Tucker; grandchildren: Jessica Tucker, Maxwell (fiancee’, Erin) Tucker, Jacob (Jessica) Tucker, Danielle (fiance’, Kyle) Tucker, Nathanial Tucker, and Joshua Tucker; sister-in-law, Mary Polak; godchildren, TerryAnn Defenser and Lori Hill.

Alton graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Before leaving Purdue, he met his wife, Theresa, who also attended Purdue, on a blind date on Valentine’s Day in 1952. He served in the U.S. Army for two years and settled in Northwest Indiana, living in Hobart, then Merrillville, and eventually, Crown Point. Alton worked 37 years in the steel industry and retired from LTV Steel in 1989, leaving him more time to spend with family. While at LTV, Alton was an instructor in their Junior Achievement program.

Alton was a dedicated father and was involved in many activities related to his children’s schools and sports, including various positions with the SS. Peter & Paul Home and School Association and Andrean High School functions. He never missed a basketball or baseball game, and for many years he coached his children’s teams. Alton was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, beginning with his membership in the Msgr. Ryder Council in Merrillville. After becoming a Florida resident, Alton was one of the founding members of the Ascension Council in Ft. Myers Beach. Alton, with Theresa at his side, served as the master chef for the Ascension Council K of C dinners and functions every winter season for over 20 years. Where there was good food, you would always see Alton and Theresa as the main providers delightfully serving the meals. Alton was also an honorary member of the Good Shepherd K of C Council of Our Lady of Consolation in Merrillville, where he and Theresa were honored as “Family of the Year” and “Family of the Month” by the Council.

Alton loved and poured out his compassion with the other-abled. This year would have marked 50 years since he began working with the Apostolate for the Handicapped, which is now the SHARE Foundation with the Handicapped, whose mission is to serve the residential, vocational, and social meeds of mentally challenged or other-abled adults. Alton was a board member and was also ‘captain’ of the weekly grass-cutting crew. He also worked at and prepared meals for weekly summer mini-camps and was well-known for his corned beef dinner at the annual Leprechaun Hunt.

Alton’s faith, compassion and service to others has had a profound effect on all who were blessed to witness him in action. He will be sorely missed by family and friends, and his shoes will be very difficult to fill. Alton, let your spirit of service to others stay within us forever!

Family and friends may call at Pruzin Brothers Funeral Service, 6360 Broadway, Merrillville, IN on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 from 2:00 to 8:00 pm. Funeral service will be at 11:00 am. Thursday, March 15, 2018, DIRECTLY from Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church, 8303 Taft St., Merrillville, IN with Rev. Peter Muha officiating. There will be one half-hour of visitation at church prior to services. Services will conclude at church with cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to SHARE Foundation with the Handicapped, P.O. Box 400, Rolling Prairie, IN 46371, www.sharefoundation.org.