Thomas Leslie Tucker
Cornetist Thomas Tucker, 86, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2022. Tom quickly reunited in Heaven with parents John James “JJ” and Adelia Tucker and older brother Bill and enjoyed bringing them up to date on his second career as a professional musician. Tom didn’t need to be asked twice to regale them with Dixieland jazz stylings on his beloved cornet! Tom’s sister, Marilyn Tucker Batten, continues to enjoy listening to his CDs in Kansas City.
Tom was born in St Louis in 1936, attended Sullivan High School, and graduated from Missouri School of Mines (Missouri Science and Technology) in Rolla with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. Throughout college, music was never far away as he frequently played with Margo and the Dixie Cats. Shortly after college graduation, he married Elinor Ambruster of Cuba and entered Officer Candidate School in the US Navy. Upon discharge from active duty in the Navy in 1962, Tom managed a consumer finance company Tri County Loan, and joined his brother as co-owner of Tucker Motor Company, a Ford-Mercury dealership in Sullivan in 1969. Tom served in the Naval Reserves and retired after 27 years at the rank of Commander.
But Tom’s best life began upon his retirement in 1987 when he started playing his cornet in St. Louis. He was known as “Tommy Tucker” and “King Tuck.” He joined the St. Louis Jazz Club and formed many lasting relationships – including fellow members of his bands, The Dixie Wildcats and The Dixie Rebels. Tom met trumpeter Brian Casserly in 1996 and together they formed Cornet Chop Suey. They soon became a sought-after Dixieland jazz band throughout the country, playing 215 jazz festivals coast to coast, 13 international jazz cruises, and recording ten CDs! His band members would become family –and the success of the band, the pinnacle of his musical career.
Tom passed his incredible love of music onto his three daughters, Susan Tucker-Monroe (flute), Elizabeth “Beth” Tucker Wanamaker (trumpet), Lauren Tucker (cornet), and his granddaughter Aubrey Wanamaker (trumpet). He loved being surrounded by “his harem”, and treasured a special relationship with son-in-law Tom Monroe, and Beth’s partner Kevin Hopper. Tom’s memory will also be cherished by his nieces and nephews: Vicky Tucker Reed, Jim Tucker, Jack Tucker (Bernice), John Batten, Jr., Joe Batten (Jane), Brad Batten (Liz), Drew Stubblefield (Missy), and Dori Stubblefield, as well as countless other friends, family and fans.
The family wishes to exted their gratitude towards Dr. Giancarlo Pillot, the supportive staff of St Louis Cancer Care, and the caring oncology nurses at St. Luke’s Hospital – all of whom enabled Tom to live life to the fullest!
SERVICES: A Celebration of Life will be held at Florissant Presbyterian Church (660 Charbonier Rd) on Friday, August 12 at 1 p.m., with visitation at 12 p.m. Private interment at Jefferson Barracks. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated to the St Louis Jazz Club/High School Band Camp Scholarship Fund, and the St. Louis Lymphoma and Leukemia Society.