Sermon Series:
David Nathaniel “Nathan” Tucker passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2021. He was 43.
Nathan was born June 25, 1977, in Mansfield, Ohio, to parents David and Sara (Stonebrook) Tucker. He was a 1995 graduate and valedictorian of Mansfield Senior High School and a 1998 graduate of Wheaton College with a Bachelor’s in Educational Ministries, Spiritual Formation.
Nathan, the youngest of six, began playing the violin at age 4, and in high school played violin in the Mansfield Youth Symphony and the All-Ohio Youth Orchestra. He also performed of the Y Youth Choir and the Barnabas Ensemble.
Stemming from trips to Japan as a high school student with the Grace Fellowship Church youth group, Nathan had a profound love for the people and culture of Japan, and specifically Tamura City, Fukishima, Japan. After college, Nathan taught English in Tamura. With his proficiency in Japanese language and culture and vision for the program in Tamura, Nathan was then chosen to be the coordinator of the Wakakusa English Program. More than solely teaching English, the Wakakusa English Program teachers seek to earn the respect of the people they serve through being very good English teachers, and then take opportunities to show the love of Jesus. Nathan recruited teachers, trained them in teaching, language and team relations, and mentored them. He was the touchpoint for whatever needs they might have: physical, spiritual, cultural, etc. He traveled between Japan and the U.S. as a cultural liaison for the sister city relationship between Mansfield, Ohio, and Tamura, Fukishima, Japan, and also fostered relationships for those who had connections with Tamura. He earned such respect and love from the people of Tamura, and his absence is felt both here and abroad.
Nathan had a curious mind, a great memory, and loved keeping in touch with friends, family, and colleagues across the US and abroad. Often a hike or walk in nature was a place of solitude for him, or a chance to connect with those he loved, sharing great conversation–both lighthearted and deep. Lakeside, Ohio, on Lake Erie was often a favorite yearly destination with family.
He is survived by mother Sara Tucker; siblings Beth Tucker, Lori Barker, Lisa (Gregg) Anton, Mark (Nyssa) Tucker and Susan (Mark) Phaneuf; numerous nieces and nephews: Jerrard (Kristin) Tucker, Alicia Tucker, Nick Auchard, Megan Barker, Zach (Kristen) Phaneuf, Kayla Phaneuf, Luke Phaneuf, Callie (John) Robertson, Ben (Brigit) Tucker, Cassie Tucker; six great nieces and nephews; an aunt and uncle; and cousins. Nathan was preceded in death by father David Tucker; grandparents Paul and Margery Tucker, and Elizabeth and Eugene Douce.
Nathan’s family will receive friends Friday, March 19, 2021, from 4-8 pm at Grace Fellowship Church in Mansfield, Ohio, where a memorial service honoring Nathan’s life will be held Saturday beginning at 2 pm. Pastor Matt Roggio will officiate.
Contributions in Nathan’s memory may be made to Grace Fellowship Church. All funds collected will go to the Funehiki Evangelical Church in Japan.
For video of Nathan's Celebration of Life:
Nathan Tucker Celebration of Life.mp3- Length: 2:02:18
