Durel Gene Tucker

Gene was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corp.

Gene is survived by his longtime companion Carolyn Soncrant, of Hemet, CA; daughter, Cheryl Reeb, of St. Louis, Missouri; sons, Danny Sadler, of Santa Ana, CA, and Doug Sadler, of Hemet, CA; sister, Imogene; and grandchildren, Lincoln Tucker, Sonny Hartsell, Micah Salonis, Brian and David Tucker, Shanon Ramey, Danny Sadler, Andrew Sadler, Nicole Oliver, Logan Sadler, Stephanie Sadler, Sara Sadler, Daryll Sadler, Cody Sadler, Justin Sadler and many great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeryll Ann Tucker; sons Keith and Brian Tucker, and son Darin Sadler; sisters, Nadine, pat, Irma and Mae; and brother, Bud.

Gene was born on January 8, 1932, in Spiro, Oklahoma, to Dillard Tucker and Roxy Mae (Brewer) Tucker. As a child, his family moved from Oklahoma to Bakersfield, CA, where he spent most of his early years.

Gene was a skilled General Contractor for over 50 years, still working into his 70s. He traveled the country, building “Church’s Fried Chicken” restaurants before focusing on working in Southern California. He also was very proud of the community churches he built and was very active in.

Gene loved for the Lord. He was a walking testimony of how Accepting Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior had changed his life. He never missed an opportunity to share the gospel and the love of Jesus. Gene would say, he was the vessel, God was doing the work through him.

He exemplified the love of Christ by keeping God’s Greatest Commandment, Love your Neighbor as yourself. He never met a stranger, and he helped anyone who needed it, without any expectation of repayment. He gave unselfishly of his time, his talents and his treasure.

Gene was also a talented and skilled musician. His love of singing and playing guitar and other string instruments will be greatly missed. He especially enjoyed Traditional Gospen and Country Music. Among his favorite songs, he loved to play and sing, “Why Me Lord” by Kris Kristofferson and “Try A Little Kindness” by Glen Campbell. Also, “Lord Prepare Me To Be a Sanctuary.” Gene continued playing his harmonica until just before his death.

Gene’s passion for music was as big as his passion for fishing! He loved fishing the oceans, lakes, ponds, and streams. He loved the time spent with his sons and grandsons fishing the waters of Oceanside, CA, the lakes and rivers of Bend, Oregon, and Hells Canyon, Idaho.

His incredible love for friends and family was an example to all who knew him, and in turn, it was impossible to not love him back. He was truly the best of the best and he will be missed by many.

Gene will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Riverside National Cemetery. A Celebration of His Life will take place once COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.