Francis Hendrick Tucker, 86, of Springfield, MO, passed away May 23, 2022. He was known by most as Bud Tucker, or just Bud.  He was born August 20, 1935, in Nacogdoches, TX to Francis and Corine Tucker.

Francis grew up in Center, Texas.  After high school, he enlisted in the army where he spent two years of service overseas.  He then went on to earn degrees in Theology and Philosophy at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches.  Afterwards, he earned a PhD in Sociology from the University of Texas at Austin.  While at UT, Francis married Carol Beth Roddie and had two daughters.  After graduating, they moved to Springfield, MO, where he and Carol taught Sociology at Southwest Missouri State University.  While still teaching, he purchased the Cat and the Fiddle Lounge in the mid-1970s.  He continued to teach, run the bar, and raise his two children until the mid-1980s when he retired from teaching to run his business full time.  He was a well-known and successful businessman in the Springfield area and was often recognized in town long after he closed the Cat and the Fiddle.  Lover of all things living and the great outdoors, Francis was never without at least one cat to help him read his daily newspaper on his back porch.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents, brother Rickey, and former wife Carol.  He is survived by his three sisters Cora Love, Camille, and Kathey, his daughters Diane and Ellen, his son in law Patrick, his granddaughters Sarah and Alisha, and his grandson John.

Bud Tucker was beloved by his family and friends alike and will be truly missed.