Thomas W. “Tucker” Ward, 90, West Scranton, died Tuesday in the Scranton Healthcare Center after an illness. His wife is the former Arlene Miller. The couple would have been married 68 years in June.
Born in Scranton, he was the son of the late Jacob and Gertrude Morris Ward. He retired as a courier for the Third National Bank and prior to that he had been employed as a truck driver for Eschenbach and Rogers Motor Freight Company. He was a graduate of West Scranton High School. He was a member of the Teamsters Local 229 and was also a member of the Trinity Congregational United Church of Christ, West Scranton. Tucker served in the United States Navy in Guam and the Philippines in Pacific Theater of Operation during World War II. For his service to our country he earned the Pacific Theater and the American Theater Ribbons and the Victory Medal.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Tucker enjoyed word books and TV westerns. He was a big Penn State and Cleveland Browns football fan. Before he had heart problems he was an avid hunter. He enjoyed his Monday thru Friday coffee club with Chris, Joe and John.
Also surviving are twin daughters Mary Ellen Gibbs and husband Charles of Nicholson Twp and Marilyn Woehrle and husband William of Scranton; three sons Thomas Ward and wife Helen of Factoryville, David Ward and wife Tammy of Clarks Summit and Jeffrey Ward of Scranton; grandchildren Chad Gibbs, Pamela Manley and husband Gregory, Holly Reilly and husband Trevor, Thomas M. Ward, Jennifer Ward and fiancé Brandon Burns and Kimberly Ward; great grandson Liam Manley; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother Richard and sisters Jean Wynn and Gail Bowen.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at 7pm in the Vanston and James Funeral Home 1401 Ash St. Scranton by the Rev. Jeremy Mullen of the Trinity Congregational United Church of Christ.
Friends may call from 4pm until time of the service.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Congregational United Church of Christ 229 S. Main Ave Scranton 18504.
For directions, to share a memory or to leave your condolences please visit www.vanstonandjames.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of Robert C. Jones, Funeral Director.