Dennis Wayne Stucker, 77, of North Fort Myers, Fla., passed away peacefully at 7:05 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Fort Myers, surrounded by his loving family.
Dennis was born on Aug. 18, 1947, in Shelbyville, Ky., to the late Burnace Eugene Stucker and Katherine Ileene Tudor Stucker.
A proud U.S. Air Force veteran, Dennis achieved the rank of Sergeant while serving during the Vietnam War, stationed in the Philippines. He graduated from Bardstown High School in Kentucky in 1965 and went on to own and manage several restaurants in the 1970s. He later earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Evansville in 1983 and worked as a Senior Computer Systems Analyst for AT&T, CDI,and Texas Instruments.
Dennis retired early to pursue a life close to the land. He owned and managed a family ranch in Montana for seven years before returning to Kentucky, where he operated a family farm for two decades and built his dream home. In 2020, he moved to Florida to enjoy retirement.
A man of deep faith, Dennis was a Christian who attended various churches over the years, most recently Middleburg Baptist Church in Kentucky. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and the North American Hunting Club, a former Cub Scout leader and a lifelong Boy Scout.
Dennis had a passion for life and the outdoors. He enjoyed cooking, golfing, fishing, hunting, camping, horseback riding, beach trips, skydiving, scuba diving and flying as a private pilot. His greatest joy came from his family-especially spending time with his grandchildren. He will be remembered for his generosity, adventurous spirit and his readiness to help anyone in need.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Burnace and Katherine Stucker, and his brother, Stephen E. Stucker.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Verla May Stuckey Stucker; his son, Brian M. (Sarah) Stucker of Crestwood; and his grandchildren, Rhodes T. Stucker and Merritt E. Stucker. He is also survived by his brothers, John Stucker of Newburgh, Ind., and Mike (Becky) Stucker of Mahomet, Ill.; sisters, Janice (Harold) Kinney of Arlington, Texas, and Tina (Lance) Kuykendall of Petersburg, Ill.; sister-in-law, Kathy Stucker of Evansville, Ind.; and brothers-in-law, Jerry (Judy) Stuckey of Moscow, Kan., Gary (Debbie) Stuckey of Odon, Ind., and Jeff (Jill) Stuckey of Somerville, Ohio. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.
Family and friends may visit on Friday, May 16, at Alexander Newburgh Chapel, 5333 State Road 261,
Newburgh, IN 47630, from 10 a.m. CST, until the time of service. The funeral will be 11:30 a.m. CST, with Pastor Jeff Harford officiating. A private burial will take place at Rose Hill Cemetery at a later date. A live stream of the funeral service will be available at:
www.facebook.com/FuneralStreamUSA.Memorial contributions may be made in Dennis's honor to Rose Hill Cemetery, P.O. Box 463,
Newburgh, IN 47629 or the
American Lung Association at
www.lung.org. Donation envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.
Alexander Newburgh Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Published by The Kentucky Standard on May 13, 2025.