Transcript Staff Writer

PURCELL -- McClain County commissioners met Monday for the first time since District 2 Commissioner Loyd Tucker, 67, died at work March 11.

"It was very trying, but we made it through," District 1 Commissioner Benny McGowen said of the meeting.

Tucker could always make everyone laugh, and that was missed at the meeting, District 3 Commissioner Shorty Foster said.

"We did all right but we missed Loyd's humor," Foster said of the meeting. "He always had something to tell that was humorous, you know."

Tucker's position has been filled by his foreman, David Perry. McGowen said the commissioners passed a resolution some time ago delineating who would take over their duties if they were to become incapacitated.

Tucker was in his eighth year as a county commissioner.

"Loyd was a very good, conscientious commissioner -- real easy to work with, congenial," said McGowen, who had known Tucker for about 50 years. "I'm gonna miss that guy."

Because he died in his final year, a special election will not be held to fill his position, County Clerk Lois Hawkins said. Perry will fill the position until a new commissioner is elected this fall.

Filing for the primary in that election will be June 2-4, with the primary held July 29. The general election will be Nov. 4.

Tucker had fought lung cancer since the fall, but his fellow commissioners said that was probably not the cause of death.

Tucker was walking into the county barn March 11 when he felt something so he turned to go back to his pickup truck. That's where he died from what was probably an aneurysm, McGowen said.

Tucker had kept working during his illness. Foster said Tucker had been feeling better of late.

"I talked to him the day before he passed away, and he was joking like his old self," Foster said. "And I said, 'Loyd, you sound like you're getting a lot better.' And he said, 'Yeah, it's been a long deal and I haven't been able to get over the hump.'"

Tucker's funeral was 2 p.m. Friday at Purcell First Baptist Church. The McClain County Courthouse was closed for the day to allow employees to attend. Foster said the church was so packed, nearly 150 people filled the overflow room in the basement.