Garland L. Tucker

Garland Tucker, 77, of Tuscola, Texas, passed away on June 30, 2026, in Abilene, Texas.

Visitation will be 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Hamil Family Funeral Home in Abilene, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 6, 2026, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home with the Reverend Lauren Christenberry, officiating. Committal with military honors will follow at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at 1:00 pm promptly. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.

Garland was born in Paducah, Texas, to Walter Randall Tucker and Sybil Louise Bryan Tucker on November 4, 1948. He attended school in Paducah, Texas, graduating from Paducah High School. He enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the Medical Corps as a Corpsman during the Vietnam War including a tour in Italy. Through the army, Garland also visited Australia, fulfilling his hunger for travel. Rumor abound of the mischievous nature Garland always possessed, including jeeps that may or may not have been commandeered under suspicious circumstances. After his tour of duty, Garland returned to Texas, graduating with honors from Amarillo Community College - College of Biomedical Arts and Sciences with his Associates Degree in Respiratory Therapy. He married the love of his life Dr. W. Jean (Jeanne) Tucker on February 7, 1980 in Borger, Texas. He worked as a Respiratory Therapist at hospitals in Oklahoma, Borger, Seymor, Vernon, Wichita Falls, and Abilene, Texas. Garland recently retired, completing 20 years with Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene for a total of over 50 years of experience that fostered knowledge, compassion and work ethic to a career he was passionate about.

He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the United States Army and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Expert Rifle, Vietnam Campaign medal with 60 device, Vietnam Service Medal with two overseas service bars. He was involved in Aldersgate United Methodist Church, the Emmaus Community, in Vernon he was an Assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America Scout Troop 130, including making the Philmont Trek. Garland was also a 4-H Volunteer, an Umpire for Boys and Girls Club of Vernon, Roaring Lion Band Booster and a CPR instructor. Whether his kids were playing or coaching, he was at a game supporting whatever sport was going on. Garland literally gave breath and life to all he knew.

As a Respiratory Therapist, Garland was a Gentle Giant, known for being called in to work on small children and was amazing at easing their nerves and fears. Garland has countless coworkers and students that he has supervised, mentored and taken under his wings and taught them to be better medical professionals and leaders. Garland never shied away from adversity, as he was often the first person to respond to critical incidents in the Emergency Room and life saving incidents throughout the hospital. Garland was selfless and never advertised his achievements, but anyone who knew him saw them in his daily actions. Garland was a family man, friend to all, animal lover, man of few words but many laughs. He loved cars, music, baseball, movies, Jeopardy and history. Garland was an avid Texas Tech Red Raiders and Texas Rangers fan. He loved going to games with his kids and family and many memories were made at Globe Life Field. Garland was an avid Survivor fan, always discussing the most current season. Garland loved camping, fishing and teaching his kids about life through these activities and would often plan family vacations around these activities. He had a passion for photography and travel, looking forward to spring every year to photograph the next bluebonnet crop or see Christmas lights in winter. Garland loved to cook, and his special fudge recipe and homemade eggnog will be missed.

Garland was well known for his humor, joking often with his kids, family, friends and coworkers. It was always out of love, but he thought it was the funniest thing ever. His laugh was contagious and when he smiled he lit up a room.

Garland was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Randall and Sybil Tucker, and his wife, Jeanne.

Garland didn’t see flesh and blood but loved all of his children as his own. Garland is survived by his children, Freddie Tucker and wife Becky of Amarillo, Justin Tucker and his wife Anna of Spearman, Brent Tucker and his wife Kristen of Abilene, Amanda Tucker Turner and her husband Josh Turner of Cleburne. His sisters Linda Tucker, Jan Tucker and Beckey Tucker all of Paducah. Grandchildren are Haley (Tucker) Jones and her husband Nick of San Antonio, Jordan (Tucker) Martin and her husband Thomas of Amarillo, Lynzey Tucker of Amarillo, Austin Blankenship of Borger, Colton Colburn and Rylan Blankenship of Spearmen. Great grandchildren are Ivy Martin and Archer Martin of Amarillo.

Pallbearers will be Freddie Tucker, Justin Tucker, Brent Tucker, Josh Turner, Thomas Martin, Jason Gunn, Endre Pye and Mike Procopio.

Memorials may be given to the Boys & Girls Club of Vernon, Texas, in honor of his time as an umpire and in support of youth in sports. VernonBGC.org https://secure.givelively.org/donate/boys-and-girls-club-of-vernon-inc

Memorials may also be given to the Texas Rangers Youth Foundation in support of Garland’s love of baseball. The Texas Rangers Youth Foundation develops the next generation, honor those who served, and serve those in need. https://texasrangers.givingfuel.com/trbf2026

The family of Garland Tucker wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the staff of Hendrick Medical Center, especially Southside ER for their care, love and support of Garland, and for UTSW Oncology for dad’s continual prostate cancer care.