Clarke County Democrat

Extension Agent Tucker remembered for 4-H work and a lot more




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Clarke County Extension Coordinator Kevan Tucker died Friday, Sept. 16 in a Mobile hospital. He had suffered a massive heart attack while driving in Grove Hill the previous Friday, Sept. 9. He was rushed to Mobile and had surgery but never regained consciousness.

Tucker, who grew up in Fayette, was 52 and had worked with the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service for 29 years. As the coordinator — or county agent — in Clarke County he was instrumental in 4-H programs. He and 4-H Coordinator Wendy Padgett started the Chick Chain program of raising chickens, then the Pig Squeal program for students to raise piglets into marketable hogs and a dairy calf program. He worked in other community projects and economic development efforts, too.

The funeral was held Monday at the Grove Hill Baptist Church where a number of friends, Extension Service co-workers from around the state and current and former 4-H students turned out to remember him.

Grove Hill attorney Bobby Keahey eulogized Tucker along with Rev. Scott Davis, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Fayette.

Keahey worked with Tucker on the Pig Squeal program and other ag-related matters.

“I can’t remember going to an event [that Tucker was a part of ] that he didn’t make sure to start out with a prayer,” Keahey said.

He said Tucker was a big part of the Pig Squeal’s success, from driving a truck and trailer to go pick up the pigs to organizing the event and coaxing highdollar bids when the pigs were sold at auction.

Tucker sold “$6 pigs”

“Whoever heard of a $6 [per pound that is] pig ever being bought?” Keahey asked. Tucker would get that.

This year, both Keahey and Adam Anderson, another friend and supporter of the program were both out of town when the show and sale were held. Keahey said Tucker called him as he was driving home from South Dakota and told him he had bought a hog.

“I told you to buy one if you absolutely had to have it,” Keahey grumbled to him. “We absolutely had to have it,” Tucker answered.

Keahey said Tucker was the “best Extension agent he’d ever known” in the county. Keahey said people said of Tucker, “He’d come to my house, he’d come to my pasture or to my barn” on a matter.

He was dependable, Keahey added. “If he told you, you could write it down.”

4-H student credits Tucker’s influence

Several people offered comments online.

Luke Stephens, a 4-H student for years, including the Pig Squeal program, said, “I’ve known Mr. Kevan for over half of my life. He’s been a constant leader for the 4-H programs I’ve participated in, and I know for a fact I wouldn’t be in the standings I am now without his influence. I’m going to miss him terribly for my last year in 4-H. The Pig Squeal won’t be the same without him. I will forever be grateful for the influence I know he has had on me and so many others through 4-H.”

Luke’s mother, Jennifer Stephens, echoed Luke’s remarks. “We have been with Kevan and Wendy in 4-H for 10 years through various projects. Kevan always worked hard for the youth of this county, and always had a smile on his face. I can honestly say, I do not know what my son Luke’s life would be without 4-H because he lives for it, and that’s due largely to Kevan’s dedication. 4-H is not just a club, but a family relationship. We are all mourning his passing deeply, and Clarke County Extension will not be the same without him.”

Hannah Bridges is a former 4-H student who praised Tucker. “Mr. Kevan was an amazing man and Clarke County truly lost a great soul. I have participated in Chick Chain and Pig Squeal every year it was available to me up until I graduated in 2019. Mr. Kevan is a great mentor that I look up to. Mrs. Wendy and Mr. Kevan are like family to me and the reason 4-H is still a part of my life and the reason I volunteer my time as an adult. Mr. Kevan truly cared about the students he taught, it was never about the sale of a pig or chicken for him, it was the lessons that the students learned and the experience they had. Mr. Kevan will be truly missed by me and many other youth that he impacted.”

Former state legislator bought a pig

Elaine Beech, a former state legislator, remembered, “He had me come to a pig squeal about six years ago to give out ribbons. I ended up buying a pig and he brought my slaughtered pig back to Grove Hill where I picked it up. He was a great friend to all who knew him.”

Bayne and LeAnn Moore were good friends. “We loved Kevan who was family. He was our first call for all kind of questions I was LeLe to him, and he was Kev to me! We have laughed, cried, prayed, watched our favorite TV shows and football games and shared many a meal together. I will miss his grumpy, practical, comical, wise commentary on everything. Clarke County will miss his presence. My comfort is knowing that he is with Jesus.”

Nicole Horton praised his “love and enthusiasm” for his work and 4-H programs. She said her daughter loved 4-H because of him. “He was a positive role model for so many and will be greatly missed. Prayers for his family, coworkers, and all of the Clarke County 4-H alumni. He will be greatly missed.”

Worked behind scenes,

called “irreplaceable”

A friend who didn’t want to be named said Tucker did a lot in his community.

“He wasn’t in the forefront but usually was working behind the scenes to make sure things got done. Those kind of people are hard to replace or irreplaceable. Kevan Tucker is an irreplaceable person.”

Survivors include his daughter, Jessie Tucker, his mother, Mary Ellen Tucker, sister Karan Tucker and other relatives.

Burial was in the Landers Cemetery near Jacksonville in Calhoun County on Tuesday, Sept. 20 where his father, James Pettus Tucker is buried.

Kevan Tucker was hands on — literally — when it came to the Pig Squeal program. Here he wrestles newly-delivered pigs out of a trailer for waiting kids a few years ago.

Kevan Tucker was hands on — literally — when it came to the Pig Squeal program. Here he wrestles newly-delivered pigs out of a trailer for waiting kids a few years ago.

See a complete obituary in this issue for more information.

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