WSTR News

Tucker James Earp - 2004-2026

Tucker James Earp, 22, of Jay, Oklahoma, was born May 20, 2004, in Gravette, Arkansas, to Jamie and Treasa Earp. He was called home to be with the Lord on August 5, 2026, alongside his dad, Jamie. In a way only God could have written, the two made their final journey side by side. 

From the beginning, Tucker had his own big personality. He was mischievous, rowdy, and  always ready to make somebody laugh. There was rarely a dull moment when Tucker was around, and those who knew him best probably have a story, or several, to prove it. Underneath that rowdy exterior, though, was an incredibly soft heart. Tucker loved deeply, cared fiercely for  his people, and would do anything for those he loved. Above all else, Tucker was a mama's boy —and he made no apologies for it. She never wavered from accommodating his pickiness with lots of sloppy joes and pizza rolls. 

Despite being an ornery little boy who seemed to continuously test his parents' patience, Tucker had a sweet and tenderhearted demeanor. He kept everyone busy between the countless hours playing baseball with the Bad Dogs, Little League football and basketball, OJRA rodeos and whatever else he could find to get involved in—or get into. But no matter how busy life became, they always made sure their family was sitting in the second row at Mount Hermon Church on Sunday mornings. It was there that the foundation of Tucker's faith was laid. At just eight years old, Tucker made the decision to give his life to Christ and was saved and baptized in 2012—a decision that would be the most important part of his story. 

Tucker was a proud Jay Bulldog throughout the entirety of his school years, graduating from Jay High School in 2023. During those years, he was involved in FFA, proudly wore #5 on the basketball court, and ran cross country and track. Some of Tucker's fondest memories from his school years came from the simplest moments. As an office aide, he became a familiar face in the office and especially enjoyed the time he shared with the ladies there. The role also gave Tucker the opportunity to spend extra time with his Uncle James, who served as his principal—something that made those years all the more meaningful. Tucker's time at Jay was shaped not only by the things he was involved in, but by the friends and family who surrounded him and made his years as a Bulldog unforgettable. 

Tucker rodeoed throughout his childhood and high school years, spending countless hours in the arena, on the road, and doing what he loved alongside his dad, siblings and closest friends. He carried his love for the sport into college, competing for Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) on a full ride rodeo scholarship. He was a Cream of the Crop Freshman and was recognized for being successful at the NIRA Central Plains College Rodeos. Even while living his college years to the fullest and being the up-for-anything guy, Tucker graduated from NEO with an Associates of Science in Agriculture. During his time at college, his circle of friends grew, and he formed friendships that would last beyond those college days. But no matter how many new faces came into his life, Tucker never lost touch with the friends who had been by his side for years. He had a way of making room for new friendships while holding tightly to the old ones—a true reflection of just how loyal he was to the people he loved.

After a brief time in Stillwater, Tucker returned home and, in March of 2026, began working as a collateral inspector for Cornerstone Bank. His time there proved to be an important chapter in Tucker's life. He found mentors that quickly noticed how special he was and poured into him not only professionally but encouraged him to lean deeper into his faith in The Lord. 

Tucker was the baby of the family, a title that seemed to fit him well. As the little brother to Parker and Jenny, he grew up with two older siblings to look up to, laugh with, and keep on their toes. And being the baby, Tucker may have gotten away with a little more than the other two—something Parker and Jenny could probably attest to. As they grew older, their relationship grew right along with them. Tucker was loyal to his core and Parker and Jenny always knew their baby brother would be there when they needed him. 

As much as Tucker loved being a brother, one of the roles he cherished most was being Uncle Tucker to Olivia, Truce, and Kace. He wasn't the kind of uncle who watched from the sidelines—he was right in the middle of everything—playing, laughing, and probably teaching them a little mischief along the way. He loved those three fiercely and would have done anything for them. Being their uncle wasn't simply another title Tucker held; it was a role he loved with his whole heart. 

Twenty-two years was never going to be enough time with Tucker. But as much as we wish we could have kept him here forever, Tucker was never meant to belong only to this world—he belonged to the Lord. There is comfort in knowing he is home now, still loving us from Heaven, watching over the people who meant everything to him, and will be forever in our hearts. 

Tucker is preceded in death by his grandparents, Louis and Opal Bryant of Jay, Oklahoma, and Jim and Janie Earp of Jay, Oklahoma. 

He is survived by his loving mom, Treasa Earp; brother, Parker Warner and wife Brogan of Post, Texas; sister, Jenny Jo Kijac and husband Tyler of Jay, Oklahoma; his niece, Olivia Lynn Warner; and nephews, Kace Robert Warner and Truce McCrae Kijac. He is also survived by his step-grandmother Betty Earp of Jay, Oklahoma; uncle, Jud Earp and wife Julie of Jay, Oklahoma; aunt, Jana Haynes and husband Matt of Jay, Oklahoma; uncle, James Bryant and wife Erin of Jay, Oklahoma. As well as his first cousins, Emily Thompson and husband Cody, Hunter Bryant, Mattie Haynes, Molly Oswalt and husband Cole, Jayma Earp and Jace Earp. In addition to a host of extended family and friends that loved him dearly