Bill Tatum

Bill Tatum, age 87, of Palestine, Texas, and formerly of Chetopa, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2024, in Tyler, Texas.

Born on March 11, 1936, in Nowata County, Oklahoma, to William Clayton and Mamie Viola Tatum, Bill grew up in a large family with 2 brothers and 3 sisters.

In 1951 his family moved to Chetopa, Kansas. In his own words, "Nothing really exciting ever happened in Chetopa, until I met Audrey Ann."

After meeting in study hall, Bill and Audrey became high school sweethearts and married in June of 1958. Shortly after their marriage began, he was drafted into the Army in December.

Bill served active duty in the army from 1958 - 1960, which moved the young couple to Germany for about 2 years. It was in Frankfurt that they welcomed their first child, Elizabeth Diane, in May of 1960.

After leaving Germany they settled in Coffeyville Kansas, and welcomed their son, Terry, in May of 1963.

Bill joined the Missouri Pacific Railroad in 1964. Upon a promotion from Foreman to Superintendent, the railroad moved the Tatum family to their forever home of Palestine, TX in 1977. Bill would go on to work as the Superintendent of the Union Pacific Car Shop until his retirement in March of 1996.

Upon retirement, Bill and Audrey continued their adventures by traveling to many beautiful places around the world. When not exploring the world, Bill could often be found building something in his shop, keeping his yard in perfect shape, and fishing on Lost Prairie Lake.

Dedicated to serving the public, Bill was very involved in the community - serving as a member of the Lions Club, President of the Chamber of Commerce, and other community organizations. With Audrey by his side, you often would see them together at many local Palestine events, such as the Disoriented Express, Mardi Gras balls, and of course, various Dogwood Trails floats.

Over the time of his life, Bill became a beloved Papa four times and was further graced with 16 great-grandchildren. Bill made sure that the future generations would go on to partake in his worldly wisdom, his humorous jokes, and numerous coins pulled from behind their ears. He was excellent at teaching all the children in his life how to fish. Anyone who had the luck of meeting and spending time with Bill knew they had met the most giving and selfless person to walk the earth. He leaves behind not only a loving family but many lifelong friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.

We ask that you send well wishes to family members including his beloved wife Audrey, daughter Diane, son Terry, granddaughter Breann and her husband Lee, grandson Billy and his wife Ashley, and grandson Bryant and his longtime girlfriend Stephanie, as well as his loving great grandchildren: Katelyn, Madison, James, Clarke Ann, Logan, Eleanor, Olivia, Hannah, Madie, Trenton, Reagan, and Kenlynn, as they honor their cherished father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

The graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Chetopa, Kansas.  Services are under the direction of the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home of Chetopa.