Kenneth J. Tucker

Kenneth J. "Ken" Tucker, 71, of Bolivar, passed away Sunday, September 4, 2011 at home in his loving wife's arms.

He was born February 22, 1940 in Strasburg, the son of the late John Wesley and Orpha Naomi Keplinger Tucker.

Ken retired from Sugardale Foods in Canton where he had worked for 30 years.

Ken was an avid sportsman in every sense of the word. He enjoyed hunting; fishing, traveling and camping with his family.

Ken was active with Bolivar Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years. He served as Assistant Chief, EMT, and was a certified fire-training officer, specializing in search and rescue. Ken also served as a Scout Master many years ago.

Ken loved sports, especially watching his Ohio State Buckeyes play football and basketball. He faithfully attended his grandchildren's sporting events, and while his sons were growing up always wanted to play "just one more game" whether on the basketball or tennis court! Ken also enjoyed taking their dog Sacki for walks.

A member of Bolivar Wesleyan Church, Ken and his wife, Sandra Ann "Sandy" Goldner, served as Youth Group leaders.

Other survivors include: two sons, Jim (Debbi) Tucker and Jerry (Betsy) Tucker; seven grandchildren; B. J. (Mandy) Tucker, Chris Tucker, Niki (Bryan) Richard, and Kyra, Kayla, Elizabeth and Violet; also three great grandchildren; Emma, Ethan and Ella; two sisters, Ruth Ward of New Philadelphia and Barbara Ritter of Dover.

A funeral service celebrating Ken's life will be held Thursday, September 8, at 10:00 a.m. in Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Dover with Dr. Steven Gerig of Bolivar Wesleyan Church officiating. Interment will be in Fort Laurens Cemetery.

Friends may call in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Dover, on Wednesday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m.

Those unable to attend or wishing to share a fond memory may visit the "Obituaries & Flowers" link on the funeral home's website.

Memorial gifts may be made in Ken's name to the Aultman Dialysis Center, 2912 W. Tuscarawas St., Canton, Ohio 44708