Jerry Tucker, who founded a renowned ministry in Casey County that has sheltered and cared for more than 2,000 abused and severely handicapped children from around the world, died Tuesday in his apartment on the ministry's campus. He was 85.

Tucker, who created Galilean Home Ministries with his wife, Sandy, in 1974, had been in declining health for several months, according to his granddaughter Sandi Dennison, the ministry's treasurer and secretary. The ministry operates on a 25-acre campus south of Liberty in the rolling hills of Casey County.

According to the Kentucky Lantern, Tucker met Sandy on a blind date in Detroit when he was a 22-year-old construction worker. Unable to have biological children initially, the couple began adopting children with special needs, a calling that led them eventually to Kentucky.

The ministry expanded beyond residential care to include a private Christian academy serving 65 students from pre-school through high school, as well as the Bread of Life Café and other social enterprises that employ residents. The home currently cares for 35 permanent residents ranging from those completely bed-ridden to those who need only supervision and support.

President George H.W. Bush recognized Tucker's work in 1992 through the Points of Light program, which honors volunteers across the country. The ministry operates entirely on private donations without government funding, maintaining an annual budget of approximately $5 million with about 100 employees.

U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers praised Tucker's "inspirational work," noting that he and Sandy "created a safe place at the Galilean Home to care for more than 2,000 children who were abused, neglected and suffering with a wide range of special needs."

The ministry's leadership has transitioned to the next generation. Tucker's grandson, Isaac Tucker, was recently named president of the nonprofit. Sandy Tucker died in 2007 and was buried on the campus near the cabin the couple built there.

Viewing for Jerry Tucker will be held Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for family and from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the public in the Galilean school gymnasium. A funeral service is scheduled for Monday at 11 a.m., with public viewing beginning at 8 a.m. He will be buried in the backyard near his wife's grave.