Gregory James Tucker, age 56, passed away April 18, 2026, at Kansas University Hospital of heart failure. He was surrounded by love as he took his last breath, exactly thirteen years since his first near fatal heart attack (April 18, 2013). We were gifted 13 more years to love him.
Greg was born March 14, 1970, to the late Jerald M Tucker and Naomi Poe Tucker. Growing up, he attended all his school years in Lenexa. He lived awhile in Missouri and Florida before returning to Lenexa. He graced the world with his gentle, kind soul. He loved animals of all kinds. He was known to feed the squirrels, talk to the owls, and if found a spider or ant in the house, he would catch and release it. The last pet he acquired was an Old-World chameleon he and his partner, Gall, named, Neon Leon. Together, they wrote a song about him and set it to music with Al. Always a dreamer, Greg held a special place in his heart for the underprivileged.
A musician and song writer, he was artistic and passionate. He played guitar in several bands throughout his life, starting several on his own. Music was his passion. He felt his life would be short, so he was driven to record his music. He left behind notebooks filled with lyrics and writings.
Greg never married, but two years ago, he found his person, Gail Simmons, She brought joy to his life and was a big part of his angel network as he struggled during his last few weeks.
He is survived by his mother, Naomi Poe Tucker Watts, and his stepfather, Bill Watts his "special" Uncle, Mark Poe (Sharron); Gail Simmons, three half-sisters, Diana Tucker Hankins (Ben), Jessica Tucker Duncan (Dan), and Stacy Poe Palmer Lewis (Bryan deceased), a bonus brother, Ron Watts (Teri); uncles Lee Tucker (Emporia, KS) and John Poe (Kelly) (Sequim, WA); aunts, Velma Tucker Dickson (Lawrence. KS) and Hida Poe Perez (Greg) of Rancho Cucamonga, CA: nieces, nephews and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his father, Jerald M. Tucker, both sets of grandparents, Marion and Edith Tucker and James and LaVera Poe; uncles Dr. Don Tucker and James C. Poe; aunts Dr. Virginia Tucker and Nancy Tucker.
A memorial may be held at a later date. Gail is in the planning stages of a Celebration of Life at "The Pour House" in Shawnee for his musician friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The American Heart Association charity of your choice, in Greg's name.