SOUTH PARIS — John L. Tucker, 78, of South Paris died Saturday, Feb. 5, at Market Square Health Care Center.

He was born in South Paris, April 16, 1932, the son of Archie and Dorothy Parker Tucker. John resided in the South Paris area his entire life, graduating from Paris High School in 1951.

During the Korean Conflict, he served in Japan with the 507th AAA Battalion from 1952 to 1954. After his discharge from the service, he married Collene Martin on Feb. 27, 1955.

Leaving his employment with Bath Iron Works to complete his education attending the Maine School of Commerce under the GI Bill program, he graduated in June 1958. He then began that same year what he described as a way of life, not a job, with Maine Machine Products, holding various positions in office management, purchasing and finance, retiring 39 years later as vice president of administration.

During his employment, he earned the designation of certified purchasing manager, an honor authorized by the National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM) on Feb. 4, 1976.

John served on the town of Paris budget committee for 12 years and was chairman for eight. He also was on the Board of Selectman for six years, being chairman twice. He was a member of the Paris Lodge 94 AF & AM, Past Master 1964, Oxford Chapter 29 Royal Arch Masons, Oriental Lodge 22, Kora Temple AAONMS of Lewiston, Oxford County Shrine Club, NAPM-Maine, SCORE, Oxford Hills Growth Council, the First Congregational Church of South Paris, and treasurer of the Oxford Hills Food Pantry.

He enjoyed recreational times, hunting in Sumner and Singepole in South Paris. Skiing at Sunday River with the Ski Patrol in the 1980s, holding Patroller E326-068. Fishing was entertaining at his summer cottage for 41 years, “Camp Craggshagg” on Shagg Pond.

He is survived by a daughter, Tina Amidon and her husband, Roger, of Tequesta, Fla.; grandchildren, Roger and Nicole Amidon; a sister, Barbara Laprino/Porter of Scarborough; and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Collene on July 25, 2002; and his parents.

Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com.

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