Arthur LaVerne Tucker, 70

August 16, 2014, Arthur LaVerne Tucker shed earthly body for heavenly spirit. How do we tell the story of such a great man in so few words?

Born Dec. 19, 1943, to Clarence and Lela Tucker in Iron Mountain, Mo., Art was the youngest of five boys. He spent his early years in Missouri, then moved to Bisbee, Ariz., where he met and married Linda Sales. In 1962, Art became father to Letitia Nell. He served his community as both policeman and fireman.

In 1964, Art was blessed with his one and only living son, Samuel Eugene. He moved his family to the Silver Valley in Idaho, and became a miner during the silver boom. During this time he gave his life to Christ and began his journey and calling of ministry. In 1973, Art was blessed with another daughter, Lela Dorene.

In 1980, Art lost Linda to her long battle with cancer. God quickly brought Debbie Marie Bartmess, who had recently been widowed, to help heal his heart and begin blending their family. With their 1981 marriage, God continued his blessing by giving Art three more beautiful daughters - Cori Dawn Bartmess, Kelli Erin Bartmess, and Aubrey Michele Bartmess.

Art and Debbie relocated to Post Falls, Idaho. He quickly found a church to share his zealous love of Christ. He worked in service for Post Falls Assembly of God and Falls Christian Academy. He served as a music minister, janitor, bus driver, and as a much loved sports team coach. Art took every opportunity to share his love of Christ with all of the young people he could.

In the '80s, Art became an ordained minister. He greatly enjoyed joining people in marriage as well as extensive street and prison ministry. Seldom a day or hour went by without Art finding a way to preach the gospel.

Art loved being silly and goofy - from corny jokes to his crazy dance moves, he loved brightening the days of others with laughter. Art enjoyed Bible study, old westerns, knife collecting, vintage cars, and odd historical facts as well as listening to and performing gospel music through his years.

During his years of waning health, Art was most blessed by Debbie's tireless love and care. As his health failed, Art treasured visits from family and friends. As one of Art's last requests and the way he lived life, Art wanted the world to know - beyond all of his faults, that he loved his family more than anything, and would lay down his life for them.

Art was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Sales Tucker; son Anthony Tucker; grandson Thorin Konecny; mother and father, Clarence and Lela; and brothers, Gerald and Randall Tucker.

Art is survived by his wife, Debbie Tucker; children - Letitia Wegner and family, Todd (Trisha) Jayden, Kai, Trace, Rudy (Erica) Mya, and Drew; Samuel Tucker and family, Nikki and son, Fallon and Trevor; Lela (John) Konecny and family, Arthur, Kassandra, Rachel, Kadance, Kayma, and Conrad; Cori (Doug) LePard and family, Delaney and Hailey; Kelli (PJ) Paul and family, Austin, Ginger, and Ruby; Aubrey (Mikey) Dwyer and Clover; brothers Leland and Erwin Tucker; and many nieces, nephews and cousins whom he loved.

Viewing from 2-4 p.m., on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014, at English Funeral Chapel, 1700 N. Spokane St., Post Falls; service and reception immediately following.

"May all those who mourn be comforted," knowing that Art is with his heavenly Father, his beloved Jesus, dancing on the streets of glory.