John Oscar Tucker

John Oscar "J.O." Tucker, 85, of Mulberry, passed away Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, in Fort Smith. He was born June 24, 1935, in Muleshoe, Texas, to Arthur F. and Della Brumfield Tucker. J.O. worked for AT&T and Southwestern Bell throughout Arkansas. J.O. enjoyed all things outdoors, and how he loved his Razorbacks! He was preceded in death by his first love and wife of 40 years, Novelene Alsip Tucker; a son, Charles Thomas Tucker; his parents; three sisters; and two brothers. He is survived by his second love and wife of 10 ½ years, Linda Cagle Tucker, of Mulberry; three children: Kathy Tucker Cheyne of Broken Arrow, Julie Tucker of Fayetteville, and John K. Tucker of Killeen, Texas; a brother, Jack Tucker of Decatur, Texas; five grandchildren: Jason Neidecker of Slidell, La., Mandy Cox Berry of Fayetteville, Brooka Blount of Arkansas, Kevin Cheyne of Muskogee, and Morgan Cheyne of Liberty, Mo.; seven great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn and Kassidy Neidecker of Pocahontas, RJ, Keziah, and Isaiah Blount of Massachusetts, Cyrus Berry of Fayetteville, and Lincoln "LT" Cheyne of Muskogee; many cherished nieces and nephews; and numerous treasured stepchildren, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren. J.O.'s life was cut short by the COVID-19 virus. His steadfast strength, compassion, generosity and affection has been terribly missed by all who loved him. A Remembrance Gathering for J.O. will be Saturday, June 26, 2021, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Black Bear Dining Hall at Lake Fort Smith State Park, 15458 Shepard Springs Road in Mountainburg. The event will be very informal, and guests are encouraged to wear Razorback apparel (or red) to honor J.O.'s love of his Hogs. Our hope is to share stories of J.O. with those who loved him, and to remember what a wonderful man he was. Cremation was under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home in Van Buren. To place an online tribute, go to www.edwardsvan-alma.com.