Tom D. Rucker

Tom Rucker, 59, of West Richland, WA passed away on Tuesday January 23, 2018 at home with his wife, Debbie, and daughter, LeAnna by his side. He fought two diseases that show no mercy, but he fought them better than anyone could. (He knew karate and wasn’t about to back down from this fight.) He was open with people about his diseases and always let them know how he planned to beat them.  

Tom was born on October 15, 1958 in Walla Walla, WA to Tom and Donna.  

He graduated from Pasco High School in 1978.  He married his first wife, Renee in 1981, and they had two children together, Trent and Dana.  

In 2002, Tom and Debbie married. Tom embraced young LeAnna as his own and formed a lasting bond with Kevin.

Tom lived in the Tri-City area for 58 years.  He was a long-haul truck driver and worked for Covenant Transportation along with many other trucking companies over the years. Anyone who met him would never forget him because he always introduced himself as “T” Rucker the Trucker. He loved the open road, and the unique sites he was exposed to. Being transferred to South Carolina for over a year was one of his greatest adventures shared with Debbie and LeAnna.

Tom loved to tell stories and even if you’d heard the story several times, he had a way to keep you entertained with them! At the time, we didn't realize that the stories were a blessing in disguise. Those stories will be forever engrained in our hearts.

Tom was a very active individual who always offered to help others; from mowing lawns to remodeling homes. Now Heaven will always have the best kept lawns.

He shared his enjoyment of adventure with those around him. He loved camping, boating, skiing (water and snow), golfing, and any other activity or adventure he could think of.

In addition to his love of the open road, Tom enjoyed a good (or several) glass(es) of Cabernet and cigars with his family and friends by the backyard fire pit.

Meeting him was unforgettable.  His quirky sense of humor and unique way of engaging with others has endeared himself to many of us.  He will be missed.  

He attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and was a member of Knights of Columbus 8179 and the Eucharistic Ministries.

Tom’s diseases made him unable to work for the last year of his life, but he continued to enjoy his daily walks and any opportunity to entertain children and friends with his ability to do the splits and juggle. Debbie provided love, support, and full-time care to ensure he would be able to spend his remaining time at home surrounded by family and friends.  As his diseases progressed, LeAnna became certified to provide the care he needed.

Tom is survived by his wife, Debbie; daughter, LeAnna (Nick); daughter, Dana (Jason); son, Kevin (Venessa); son, Trent (Jill) and his grandchildren, Kloie and Micah.  Tom loved all of his children and grandchildren and enjoyed participating in their lives at all stages.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Donna, and his infant brother, Timmy.

Tom received gracious support throughout the difficult journey especially from members of St. Joseph’s parish, the local EMTs, West Richland police department, Dr. Grothaus, Dr. Washington, Dr. Elliott and his family and close friends. The family extends special thanks to the EMTs and West Richland police department for their quick and compassionate assistance and watching out for him as he walked the neighborhood.

“It is not length of life, but depth of life.”  ~ This quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson depicts Tom’s approach to his short life.

The family invites you to the Rosary at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at 12:00 (noon), followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 pm.  The Graveside service will be held at Sunset Gardens in Richland following the Mass and reception.

Express your thoughts and memories on our online Guestbook at www.einansatsunset.com.

In lieu of flowers, A Go Fund Me account is set up at:

https://www.gofundme.com/tom-rucker039s-funeral-expenses. 

Any amount of financial support is appreciated.

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Tom D. Rucker

Tom Rucker 59, of West Richland, WA passed away on January 23, 2018 at home with his wife and daughter by his side. He was born on October 15, 1958 in Walla Walla, WA to Tom and Donna.

Tom lived in the Tri-City area for 58 years. He was a long haul truck driver and worked for Covenant Transportation. He attend St. Joseph’s Catholic Church was a member of the Knights of Columbus 8179 and the Eucharistic Ministries.

Tom is survived by his wife, Debbie; daughter, LeAnna (Nick); daughter, Dana (Jason); son, Kevin (Venessa); son, Trent (Jill) and his grandchildren, Kloie and Micah. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Donna Rucker and his infant brother, Timmy.

The family invites you to the Rosary at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at 12:00 (noon), followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00pm. The Graveside service will be held at Sunset Gardens in Richland following the Mass.

"It is not length of life, but depth of life."

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson