Donald L. Tucker

Donald L. "Don" Tucker, age 81 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2025 at Elwood Health & Living in Elwood after a life of hard work and public service to the City of Elwood.  He was born February 6, 1944 in Elwood, the third child of Walter and Elmira “Sally” (Frazee) Tucker.  Don graduated from Wendell L. Willkie High School in 1962 before attending Indiana University in Bloomington for specialized police training.  Don served his community as a police officer for the City of Elwood for 25 years and retired as a Lieutenant with badge #23 from the department in 1996.  He also owned Tucker Mowing for 26 years and enjoyed spending time outdoors.  Don was honored and humbled to be chosen to serve as the Mayor of the City of Elwood in 2015.  He was also well-known for working at both the Elwood and Tipton Casey’s stores for a total of 15 years.

Don was formerly a member of Quincy Masonic Lodge #230 in Elwood as well as the Fraternal Order of Police.  He enjoyed fishing for many years, especially in Canada, with family and friends.  When his children were young, Don was a coach for baseball, basketball, and softball where he was often seen in his uniform after work.  He also drove school bus #22 for many years.  Don truly enjoyed interacting with people and was a friend to everyone he met.

Don’s family includes 3 children, Kim (Brad) Reynolds of Brazil, Kurt (Hayley) Tucker of Plainfield, and Missy (Jason) Alumbaugh of Anderson; 2 sisters, Rachel Haynes of Elwood and Martha (Tom) Bennett all of Elwood; 6 grandchildren, Clint (Myranda) Reynolds, Dillon (Makylie) Reynolds, Eliana Tucker, Gabriella Tucker, Brady Alumbaugh, and Kaleb Alumbaugh; 4 great-grandchildren, Rowyn, Ridge, River, and Mia; former spouse, Sandy Tucker of Elwood; sister-in-law, Rosie Whisenhunt of Newhope, Arkansas; and several nieces and nephews.  Don was preceded in death by his beloved parents; brother, Walter E. Tucker; and brother-in-law, Arthur Haynes.

A funeral celebrating Don’s life and service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, August 29, 2025 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Scott Blaylock of Life Church officiating.  Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery where fellow police officers will serve as pall-bearers including a police escort to the cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 12 to 2 pm prior to the funeral on Friday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Madison County Law Enforcement Foundation through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.copherfeslermay.com.