EARLY, Thomas Christian (Tucker)

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Thursday, July 31, 2003 Thomas Christian "Tucker" Early, 63, of Lakewood, New York and Cave Creek, Arizona passed away Friday morning July 25th. He will be remembered as a loving husband to his wife Cynthia Early, who he married February 14, 1970, and a devoted father to his children, Beth and John Rooney, Monica and Jeff Smith, Alison Early and Otto. He was born July 4, 1940 in Indianapolis Indiana, son of Robert P. and Helen Early, brother to Sharon Severance and Robert Early. A graduate of Secena High School, he went on to earn a B.S in Biology from Indiana State University. He spent nearly 20 years working for the U.S. Justice Department as a Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent before retiring in 1988. In his retirement, he and his wife Cindy spent summers on Lake Chautauqua and winters in Cave Creek, Arizona. Tucker enjoyed spending time with his family, watching sports, reading, fishing, John Wayne movies, country western music and writing. He was the author of two books his family plans to have published. He served his country as a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry. He was a decorated Vietnam Veteran who earned numerous combat medals including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was a devout Catholic, a staunch Republican and an avid sports fan with a life long devotion to the Chicago Cubs. He was a genuine man whose sense-of-humor and quick wit was beyond compare and will be remembered by all those who knew him. Thomas Early was an honorable, selfless man whose contribution to his country, family and friends will never be forgotten. His remarkable presence cannot be explained with words, but those of us who know him understand its impact and are blessed. Funeral Services will be held at St. Peter and Paul Church, Jamestown, NY, Saturday, August 2 at 10am. The family will host a reception immediately following the service at the Early's home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kennedy Krieger Institute. Attention Dr. Hugo Moser, 707 N. Broadway, Baltimore, Maryland 21205. We'll miss you.