Longtime Utah Carpenter John Roy Tucker Dies at 87

Tucker helped build major infrastructure projects across the state over his 50-year career.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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John Roy Tucker, a longtime carpenter from Cleveland, Utah, passed away on March 2, 2026 at the age of 87. Tucker had a 50-year career in construction and helped build several major infrastructure projects across Utah, including the Joe's Valley, Flaming Gorge and Lake Powell Dams, the Eagle Gate Bridge, and the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. He was also an avid horse and chariot racer and served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with his wife Deloris.

Why it matters

Tucker's passing marks the end of an era for a skilled tradesman who played a key role in building much of Utah's critical infrastructure over the past half-century. His life and work highlight the important contributions of tradespeople and construction workers to the development of local communities.

The details

Tucker was born in 1939 in Cleveland, Utah and was the oldest of four brothers. He married Deloris Grange in 1965 and they had three children together. Tucker worked as a carpenter for 50 years and helped construct major projects like the Joe's Valley, Flaming Gorge and Lake Powell Dams, the Eagle Gate Bridge, the Power Plant in Huntington Canyon, the Hunter Power Plant in Castle Dale, the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, and the Nauvoo Illinois and Snowflake Arizona temples.

  • Tucker was born on February 17, 1939.
  • Tucker married Deloris Grange on February 13, 1965.
  • Tucker and Deloris were sealed in the Manti Temple on August 20, 1976.
  • Tucker served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from March 2013 to March 2015.
  • Tucker passed away on March 2, 2026.

The players

John Roy Tucker

An 87-year-old carpenter from Cleveland, Utah who had a 50-year career in construction and helped build several major infrastructure projects across the state.

Deloris Grange

Tucker's wife of over 60 years, whom he married in 1965. They served a mission together for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 2013 to 2015.

Dalen Johnson

Provided care and compassion to Tucker in his final days.

Tiana and Thomas McElprang

Provided care and compassion to Tucker in his final days.

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What’s next

Graveside services for John Roy Tucker will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cleveland Town Cemetery in Cleveland, Utah.

The takeaway

John Roy Tucker's life and work as a skilled carpenter who helped build critical infrastructure across Utah over his 50-year career serves as a testament to the important contributions of tradespeople and construction workers to the development of local communities.