Billie Tucker

Bill Dean Tucker, age 81, passed away Friday, March 10, 2013 at Lola Kay Assisted Living in Yakima. Bill was born April 16, 1931 in Mercer County, Missouri to Jasper and Elva Tucker. He graduated from Zillah High School in 1949 and served in the United States Marine Corp. from 1952-1954 as a radar equipment foreman. He worked as a surveyor for the Soil Conservation Service for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Bill loved airplanes. He enjoyed building both model and experimental aircraft. He became a licensed pilot (McAllisters) in the 1960’s and loved his time in the skies. He competed in control line competitions and later in radio control competitions for over 30 years. Bill also enjoyed making a number of wooden toys for Christmas gift giving. He was also very interested in collecting and polishing rocks. Bill was a member of the Gosh Hawks, an early modeler’s club, and an original member of the Valley Aero Modelers. He also belonged to the Model Engine Collectors Association, the Academy of Model Aeronautics, as well as the Experimental Aircraft Association. After joining the EAA he bought and restored a 1937 Taylorcraft. Bill is survived by a sister, Sabra White of Yakima. He was preceded in death by his parents. Graveside services will be at 1 PM Friday, March 15, 2013 at the Zillah Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity. Valley Hills Funeral Home in Zillah is in care of the arrangements. Online condolences can be sent to www.valleyhillsfh.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Billie Tucker, please visit our flower store.