Rondal Leeroy Tucker

Rondal Leeroy Tucker, of Madera, California, passed peacefully at home, on February 14, 2025, surrounded by family, friends, and holding the hand of his valentine of 72 years.

Leeroy was born on November 29, 1924, in Bluejacket, Oklahoma. At the age 12, he and his family made their way to California, settling in Madera. Leeroy attended Madera Union High School and milked cows on his uncle’s farm. In 1944, Leeroy was drafted into the United States Army, where he served in the both the European and Pacific Theaters of World War II as part of the 86th Division (Blackhawks), 332nd Field Artillery. Following his service to our country, Leeroy returned home and resumed his work on the farm. Shortly after, he met the love of his life, Essie Mae Condit, and they were married on June 28, 1952.

Leeroy was the embodiment of hard work, and his dedication to his family, friends, community, and country never faltered. When farming required him to work many long, tiring hours, he never hesitated to make time for his children, Judy and Kenny, often stepping off the tractor to pick up a glove for a game of catch. He was an outstanding supporter of his community, serving as a 4-H leader, and was a member of the Madera Elks Lodge, Veterans of the Foreign Wars, and Madera Young Farmers.
Leeroy’s hobbies and interests helped define who he was. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and taking packing trips into the Sierra Nevada high country. He had a love for gardening and music, often playing his slide guitar and harmonica. Fondly called Papa, he enjoyed attending and cheering on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their various sporting events and activities.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Charles and Stella Tucker, and his 10 siblings. He is survived by his wife Essie Mae, his children Judith Shaubach and Kenneth Tucker (Desiree), his 5 grandchildren Shelby Davidson (Thomas), Bailey Wallace (Aaron), Shane Shaubach (Mallory), Stetson Tucker (Gabby), Colton Tucker, his 7 great-grandchildren Parker and Bryce Davidson, Paisley, Beau, and Tucker Wallace, Kinslee Shaubach, and baby Tucker on the way, as well as many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly.
Leeroy’s family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to all of Papa’s caregivers; Delphina Hernandez, Sally and Patricia Castro, Star Avila, Alex Ann Guerrero, Shannon Rush, Ariel Camacho, Heather Thompson, Francisca Gante Cornejo, Walkiria Medrano Diaz, and Maria Arias. Papa’s right-hand gardener and handyman, Zenon Avia, was a great blessing to Papa, keeping everything in order and thriving. Also, a heartfelt thank you to Hospice of the Valley.
A viewing will be held Tuesday, March 4, 2025, from 4 pm to 7 pm at Jay’s Chapel, in Madera, CA. The family invites you to attend the burial with military honors on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 11:30 am, at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, 32053 McCabe Rd, Santa Nella, CA 95322. Leeroy’s memorial service and celebration of life reception will be held at a future date, details of which will be available at the time of the viewing or by contacting the family. 


In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the A to Z Foundation Group, a cause close to Leeroy’s heart, raising funds to send veterans on the Central Valley Honor Flight, an experience that he treasured. Donations made payable to: A to Z Foundation Group, 1350 E. Pacheco Blvd., Suite B296, Los Banos, CA, 93635.

We find comfort in knowing that Papa’s with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and that his legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared, and the memories we will cherish forever.