Obituary of Gerald L. Tucker

Gerald L. Tucker was born in Denver, Colorado on October 5, 1948 to H.W. (Tom) and Frances Tucker. He lived his first years in Denver and when he was in 4th grade the family moved to Limon when his father built the Safari Motel. Gerry, more commonly know as “Tucker”, graduated from Limon High School in 1966. He went on to further studies at Adams State College and Colorado State University. On December 14th, 1969, he married his best friend’s sister Therese “Terri” Vratil. In January 1970, he was called up for the military draft and was inducted into the Army. He served in Vietnam as a Communication Center Specialist assigned to the 1st Signal Brigade for the 101st Airborne Division. When discharged from the Army, Gerry and Terri went back to college at Adams State College. They moved back to Limon in May of 1973 when Gerry went to work for his father at Tucker Chevrolet, Buick and Pontiac. Gerry was overjoyed to welcome his son, Travis William, in October 1973 and his daughter, Melissa Ann “Annie” in November 1976. A highlight in Gerry’s life was on the River Bend Ranch with a cow/calf operation and raising his children in the country. Gerry returned to the auto dealership after the sale of the ranch until the dealership closed in 1997. In 1998, Gerry and Terri moved to Colorado Springs where he worked as the Operations Manager for AMPCO at the Colorado Springs airport until his retirement in 2016. In 2020, they moved to Denver to be closer to their children. Gerry had endless adventures with his family and friends from fishing, hunting, camping, rock collecting, paint ball, rafting, boating and cattle drives. Some of the highlights were Lake Powell, Cancun, Hawaii and an Alaskan cruise. Gerry never knew a stranger. He could start a conversion anywhere and have a connection with just about anybody. He was an artist and a true story teller about his experiences in life. Gerry is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Terri of 51 years, his son Travis (Nicole) and his daughter Annie (Scott). His cherished grandchildren Tate, Tessa, Mae and Jamie. Brother Tom, sister Susie (Allen), step- sister Sharon (Steve), Brother-in-laws Scott (Jan), Vaughn (Alisa), Doug (Linette), Greg (Cindy), sister-in-law Colleen (John) and an aunt, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Memorial contributions can be made to: Tunnel to Towers 2361 Hylan Blvd. Staten Island, NY 10306