Ted Philip Tucker

Ted Philip Tucker of Billings passed away in his home on March 3, 2021, at the age of 64 after a twelve-year battle with cancer. Ted was the youngest child born to Thomas and Cherie Tucker on June 9, 1956 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Ted attended Belleville High School, in Belleville Michigan graduating in 1974. He worked for the Ford Motor Company for a short time before enlisting in the Air Force. While in Biloxi Mississippi he met his soul mate Shawn Black a fellow Airman and after a short courtship (79 days) they were married on January 17, 1976.

Over the years Ted had a passion for a wide range of activities. He was involved with league bowling and golf. He liked snow skiing, water skiing, and anything that involved water. Moving to Montana in '96 was a dream for Ted, he simply fell in love with the beautiful mountain state. His passion was the outdoors, and he took advantage of every opportunity to go camping, hiking, and fishing. His famous camp stew was always a family favorite, and a necessity for every camping trip. The real competition was to see who could out-fish him. He could spend the whole day out on the water reeling 'em in and loved every minute of it.

After being diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, his mobility declined, yet he always found a way to live life to the fullest. Ted loved kids, and we believe it was his calling to be a foster parent which he was able to do for more than 20 years. Choosing to love another's child is one of the most selfless things a person can do, and he changed the lives of many children. Ted and Shawn adopted 6 children, they also loved and fostered many more. Each child earning a special place in their hearts.

Ted was proceeded in death by his father. Ted is survived by his wife, Shawn; his mom Cherie Tucker; two sisters, Tamara Farrell and Terri Vojtkofsky; 6 children, Weston Tucker, Michelle (John) Matous, Angel (Adam) Hanser, Kevin Tucker, Jon Tucker, Stephanie Tucker; seven grandchildren, Zoey, Alison, Cooper, John, Jedidiah, Bryson, and Peter. Our family would like to thank Dr. Marty Lucas for taking such good care of Ted all these years. A special thank you to Paula and Amber of Riverstone Hospice for all the love and compassion they showed Ted in his final days.

On Monday, March 15, 2021, interment will be held at Yellowstone National Cemetery at 10:00am, followed by a Celebration of Life at Grace Bible Church in Laurel at 11:00am.