Joseph H Tucker

Louisville, KY - Joe Tucker, age 83, returned to his heavenly Father and arms of many loved ones on Monday, June 11. He was born to Laura and Lee Roy Tucker and grew up in Louisville. He enjoyed playing basketball, football, and running track during school, and after high school, went on to serve in the army during the Korean war. Upon returning, he went to the University of Louisville (U of L), working his way through school, and earned his Bachelor's degree - the first in his family to graduate from college. While working full-time, he went on to earn a Masters degree from U of L, as well. He worked almost 20 years for the Urban Renewal Agency of Louisville and eventually became Executive Director. He closely managed and directed much of the redevelopment of the area surrounding the Belknap Campus of U of L and the downtown medical center complex. Many beautiful historic buildings of downtown Louisville are still standing today due to his efforts with the agency over the years. He later worked as a Utilities Engineer for the Department of Housing and Urban Development both throughout Kentucky and at the federal level with housing authorities across the U.S.; even recognized as a "Utilities Czar" in a national publication. He worked very hard his entire career against many obstacles to save the taxpayer dollars in the important work of community development and revitalization.

While his work contributions were significant, family was always his priority and his most important roles in this world were as an extremely devoted husband, father, grandad, son, brother, and friend. He was especially humble and his consideration and generosity toward others made him exceptional. He is preceded in death by the love of his life and wife Joyce Curran Tucker, daughter Laura Tucker Ellis, M.D. of Morehead, brother Jim Ellis of Elkhart and sister Elizabeth Tucker.

Here to carry on memories of him are his daughter Celeste Tucker Worth, son-in-law Chris Worth, granddaughters Sophia and Laura Worth, grandsons Nicholas, Matthew, Tucker, and Jack Ellis, and son-in-law Jeff Ellis, M.D., nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A funeral service and celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, June 20 at 2:30, in the Chapel at Christ Church United Methodist, 4614 Brownsboro Rd., with a reception and extended remembrance to follow. Expressions of sympathy can be made in his name to Hosparus Health of Louisville.