Sergeant Russell “Russ” Tucker
Branch of Service: Marines
Years of Service: 1966-1970
Military Occupation: Aerial Navigator
Honors/Awards: National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with 5 Stars; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Good Conduct Medal; Presidential Unit Commendation
Sergeant Russ Tucker was born September 25, 1946, and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and served as a navigator on C130s.
He established roots in Lexington after being welcomed by John Stewart and his family. Tucker worked on the Resolute Racing Farm. He attended the University of Kentucky where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity and graduated with a Bachelor of Agriculture degree.
Tucker began his career as an agent with State Farm Insurance in the mid 1970’s and served the community of Lexington before retiring as an owner agent. He was very active in the Catholic Church and was integral in the starting what would be the Cliffview Retreat Center.
He was recently inducted into the Sons of the American Revolution, volunteered in many capacities for the Boy Scouts of America, Sierra Club, Kappa Sigma, Bluegrass State Games, and the Kentucky 3 Day event. He was an avid SCUBA Diver and traveled the world with the Bluegrass Dive Club.
Tucker died in 2025.