ETHAN THOMAS TUCKER

Ethan Thomas Tucker, 13, of Republic passed away Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, in Springfield. He was born in Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China, on Sept. 14, 2010. Though they faced many trials and setbacks, his parents traveled to China where Ethan and his sister, Reese, were united with their forever family on January 6, 2013.
Ethan spent most of his childhood growing up in Lebanon, and attending school at Bright Beginnings preschool and TCCS. He was baptized this past summer and he took a great deal of pride in being a student at New Covenant Academy, where he was able to openly express his love for Jesus. He excelled academically, was the coach’s assistant for the boys’ basketball team, played saxophone, and dreamed of starting a marching band. His favorite classes were science, PE, and lunch. He was an avid hockey fan and loved most NHL teams (except Boston; no one loves Boston), but the St. Louis Blues and the MSU Ice Bears held a special place in his heart. He loved playing hockey in the driveway and entertaining the neighbors with his skills. He loved hanging out with his sisters, watching YouTube videos, playing games with his family, going to school, Rubiks cubing, and Crunch Lab Kits by Mark Rober, who inspired his desire to become an engineer.
His boisterous, joyful spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved him, but his family takes comfort knowing he is reunited with and pestering his big sister, Isabella, and tinkering with PaPa Tucker with his whole, healed heart.
He is survived by his parents, Tim and Kristen Tucker, and his sisters Becca, Ryleigh, Reagan, and Reese Tucker; great-granddad, Bill Patten; grandparents, Wayne and Cheryl Goodin and grandmother, Sharon Tucker; uncles, Jim (Cindy) Tucker and Phil (Jeanne) Goodin; aunt, Lori (Marty) Casagrand; many cousins from Missouri to Minnesota; his two best friends, Steven and Owen; and a beloved black cat whose “official” name is irrelevant because he simply called him “Cat”.
He was preceded in death by his big sister, Isabella Agnese Tucker; his papa, Clifford Tucker; and great-grandmas, Pearl Patten and Eula Lawrence.
Services and visitation were held on Sunday, Jan. 7, at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Springfield.  He will be laid to rest at a private graveside service at Hazelwood Cemetery in Springfield at a later date. 
Arrangements have been entrusted to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. of Springfield.