Charles Tatum

Funeral services for Charles Elton Tatum known to his friends and family as ìRedî will be held Wednesday, September 13, 2006, at 2:00 pm at the Lakeview Christian Church with Pastor Jerry Hayward officiating. Burial will be follow at the IOOF Cemetery in Maramec, Oklahoma under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home, Inc.

Charles was born September 23, 1936 in Maramec, Oklahoma to Alfred James and Ruth May (Whitworth) Tatum. As a young man Charles began attending grade school in Maramec and later graduated with the Class of 1956. After Red finished his education he moved to Oregon where he accepted employment as a lumber jack. Red continued to work in the forestry service for several years before returning to Sand Springs. Upon his arrival he accepted employment with C.E. Natco in West Tulsa as a welder. Red continued working for C.E. Natco until the closure of the company after 26 years of employment. At that time Mr. Tatum began working for Tulsa Power Products. Red continued working for Tulsa Power Products for over 16 years, at his retirement in 2001 where he was the shop foreman.

Charles was united in marriage to Nora Jane (Brown) in Tahlequah, Oklahoma on February 7, 1964. They have made Mannford their home for numerous years. In the early 1990ís Mr. Tatum began volunteering as a reserve officer for the Creek County Sherriffís office. He later started as a reserve officer for the Mannford Police Department and retired in the late 1990ís. In his spare time Red enjoyed wood working making crafts and wooden silhouettes. Mr. Tatum most of all enjoyed being at home with his family and companion Susie his favorite dog. Red was a member of the Lakeview Christian Church as well as a true believer in his Lord and very devoted American. He displayed his love for his country by flying numerous American flags.

Mr. Tatum passed away Sunday, September 10, 2006, at his home in Mannford, Oklahoma at the age of 69 years 11 months and 17 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Merle Ray, two grandchildren Taylor Noel and Caleb Neal.

Survived by his loving wife of over 42 years Nora, of the home; five children, Donald Dawes of Jennings, Oklahoma; Ricky Dawes and his wife Tammy of Jennings, Oklahoma; Buck Tatum of Mannford, Oklahoma; Norma Hardy and her husband Rick of Van Buren, Arkansas; Julia Poole of Tulsa, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be Pat Stewart, Joe Moore, Robbie Dorsey, Wayne Fry, John Weaver, and Randy Upshaw.