Tucker C. Search, 46, of Chester, IL died at 4:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 26, 2011, in Memorial Hospital, Chester, IL. Tucker fell from a golf cart on June 26, 2011, and incurred a severe head injury which ultimately led to pneumonia complications. Tucker was born September 8, 1965, in St. Louis, MO to the late Theodore C. "Ted" Search and Angela (Scott) Search. His mother survives. Tucker, the youngest of 5 boys, arrived some 6 years later not as an afterthought, but as the last hope for a sister. His brothers never did call him "sis", but he was tagged with the likes of "Big Z", "Cues" and "Soapy". Tucker attended Chester Grade School. He graduated from Chester High School in 1984, attended Belleville Area College and John A. Logan junior colleges before graduating from SLU in 1990 - all stepping stones for a sports, entertainment and enjoy-life future. As a tag-along brother, Tucker could be seen at his brothers' basketball games carrying his official scorebook, sitting behind the official scorer's table and becoming so proficient that on several occasions he would be consulted as to "how many fouls you have on so-and-so", etc. But the part he probably loved the most was running on to the court after the game and giving the "we're #1" sign (even if the home team lost). At C.H.S., Tucker participated in football (key word being "participated"). He played basketball at an above average level (liked to shoot - always reminded one particular opponent who became a lifelong friend, "You could never stop me"). But he excelled in baseball - played with the Steeleville American Legion summer team and earned scholarships at both junior colleges. When the baseball ended, softball started. Tucker formed the Chargers softball team in 1986 which became the Eagles Miller Lite team in 1997, the same year they won the State Tournament. Tucker went on to play another 10 years or so - all along serving as manager. Coaching appealed to Tucker - he coached basketball at St. Mary's grade school and Chester High School. Following college, Tucker went to work at Jiffy Printers in Chester. A good job for his design skills, but not quite as exciting as the supplemental disc jockey business he and a close friend started - TJ Express. This was not your ordinary DJ "gig" - Tucker provided a pretty good chunk of the entertainment (Wild Thing). Tucker's dance moves and lip sync carried over to many Popeye Picnic Talent Show performances (and basically any end-of-the-night gatherings with an audience). In July, 1997, Tucker switched jobs, dropped the DJ business and went to work for Robert "Chick" Fritz Distributing. Tucker truly, absolutely loved his job - and was good at it. As beer sales supervisor for Randolph County, Tucker was involved in promoting many fundraisers for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and other local charities. But most of all, he promoted his product to the local retail distributors who became not only good established customers but lifelong friends. Tucker was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Chester Eagles, Steeleville Eagles, Chester Moose Lodge and always active with the Class of '84 Reunions. He also was the Official Host for Chester Yellowjacket Football tailgate parties (pre-game and particularly post-game). Tucker enjoyed bowling and almost any sporting event - especially if it involved the St. Louis Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, Fighting Illini or Chester-High School. From his DJ days perhaps, he could never ignore a juke box without making a deposit or two. And on a whim he may organize a bus trip to anywhere he thought would result in a good time for all. But what he enjoyed most of all was his family. On July 22, 2005, Tucker and wife Stacey were wed. In 6 short years they were able to achieve more happiness than most couples could ever imagine. Stacey survives along with step-children Josh Chambers and Jamie Chambers. And it would be remiss to leave out his faithful lab, Elle. Tucker let it be known many, many times, "The best thing Mom and Dad ever gave me are my brothers". Tom (Vicki), Chester, IL; Tad, San Antonio, TX; Toby (Gina), Columbia, IL; and Tate (Leah), Chester, IL all survive. Nieces and nephews include Tyson (Amber) Search, Columbia, IL; Courtney (Rip) Rowan, Imperial, MO; Tanner Search and Trey Search, Columbia, IL; and Tyler Search and Nicole Search, Chester, IL. Tucker lived a very, very full 46 years - maybe not long enough, but certainly more than full. Yes, we'll miss the Willie McGee imitations (or imitating anyone for that matter - "I think he's doing me"). And we'll miss Tucker's Man Cave (Sweet Caroline). But then again, not really. Because what Tucker had more than his infectious smile, his great fun-loving humor and his super personality was the overwhelming amount of friends he left behind to share all the great moments and memories he helped put together. Funeral Service: 4:00 pm, Saturday October 29, 2011 Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester, IL Visitation: Saturday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester, IL Officiating: Rev. Peter Ill Memorial Preference: St. Jude Children's Hospital
