Ernest Tucker, 77, of Lebanon, passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at his home while surrounded by his family.

Ernest was born on February 5, 1940, in Denney, Kentucky, the son of the now late Charlie and Eliza Ellen (Morrow) Tucker.

Ernest was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great- grandfather and didn't know a stranger. He married Gillis Camille Andrew on May 22, 1965; she survives. He could frequently be seen walking through town, hand-in-hand with his loving wife. He loved playing the guitar, singing his favorite song, Amazing Grace, and fishing with his family. He also enjoyed family vacations with his grown children and large family gatherings throughout the year. Ernest enjoyed visiting with his large circle of friends anywhere and everywhere he could, from Walmart to McDonalds to Bingo night.

He worked at Heffner Foods for 21 years until they closed and retired from Kehe Foods in 2000, after 16 years. He was a member of Lebanon Christian Church and Boone County Senior Center.

Survivors include his wife, Gillis Tucker of Lebanon; children Mike (Kim) Cline, Rick Cline, Kathy (Brian) Jedwabny, Carol (Mike) Cunningham, and Ernest Jr. (Laura) Tucker, all of Lebanon; grandchildren Jason (Alissa) Cline, Jennifer (Steve) Jenkins, Justin (Jessica) Ellis, Nik Cline, Heidi Cox, Anna (Nathan) Dimiceli, Cody Jedwabny, Christopher Tucker, Aaron (Ana) Cline, Maisey (Andrew) Harris, James Cunningham, and Kasi Cline; sixteen great-grandchildren; sisters Cloma Tucker, Zona (Charles) Detmering, and Clara Tucker, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Ernest was preceded in death by brothers George, Robert, Delbert, Oscar, Arnold, and Lawrence Tucker, and an infant brother.

Family and friends will gather Friday, July 7, 2017 for visitation from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and services will be held Saturday, July 8, 2017 at 4 p.m. in the Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon. You are invited to visit the website www.strawmyerdrury.com where you may sign his online register and leave a personal message. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Boone County Cancer Society, 117 W. Elm Street, Lebanon, IN 46052 or the Boone County Senior Citizens, 707 S. Lebanon Street, Lebanon, IN 46052.