Christopher Tucker

Christopher Lee "Chris" Tucker, 70, Topeka, Kansas, passed away Thursday, August 14, 2025. Chris was born February 4, 1955, in Garnett, Kansas, to Everett and Mary Elizabeth Fraker Tucker. He graduated from Garnett High School in 1973, earned his bachelor's degree from Emporia State University and continued his education at KU finishing as a registered pharmacist. Chris was the director of the Department of Veteran's Affairs Barcode Resource Office. On June 24, 1995, Chris and Joan Domnanish Rettig were united in marriage enjoying just over 30 years together. She survives. Chris loved all animals and in his youth befriended a baby racoon, naming him Rocky and taking care of him. On a trip to Hawaii he swam with the turtles and a seal. He enjoyed genealogy and coin collecting. He liked backpacking, hiking and camping in the mountains. He was a great cook winning recognition in the Topeka Capitol Journal's weekly feature "Cook of the Week." He specialized in Cajun cooking: etouffee, jambalaya, barbecue shrimp and grits and in homage to his great-grandmother, her apple dumplings. Chris was a good man, a good soul, who didn't get angry, who was kind, considerate and helpful, no matter what. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed. Other survivors include his stepson, Brett Rettig (Michelle); grandchildren, Braden Ewing, and Blake and Gabby Rettig; brother, John Tucker: a nephew, Joshua Tucker; and niece, Jessica Tucker. Chris was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Amy Ewing and his brother, Tom Tucker. Family will greet friends from 10 until 11 a.m. Saturday, August 23, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where his Memorial Service will begin at 11 a.m. Burial will be private at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society, sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.