Kary Bernie Tatum's Obituary
Kary Bernie Tatum is in the arms of the Lord and resides in his heavenly home following his death May 15, 2023 at the age of 95. His service will be held at Greggton United Methodist Church at noon on Monday, May 22, 2023 with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens.
Bernie was born on January 4, 1928, to Kary Collins and Velma Ione Tatum in Oil City, Louisiana. His family moved to Carlisle, Texas for his Father to pursue work with Ohio Oil during the oil boom. He attended Carlisle Schools and actively participated in football, basketball, and band. Enlisting in the Navy, he was initially stationed in San Diego and later transferred to New Orleans as a Navy medic in 1946. He attended Kilgore College and enjoyed driving the Rangerette bus. Experiencing many jobs from milkman to car salesman, he proceeded to work for SWEPCO. He later received his undergraduate degree to promote his advancement in his twenty-nine year career with SWEPCO in marketing. He loved marketing and excelled in this position due to his love of people and communication skills. He was instrumental in the initial formation of the Parade of Homes.
Bernie was married to Bonnie Jean Tatum for forty-two years prior to her death in 1994. They shared a very happy dedicated marriage building their lives and family together. Observing their marriage, portrayed examples of trust, admiration, and mutual respect. Some of their favorite times were dancing to swing bands. They were a great team in their devotion and love for one another in raising their daughters, as well as their grandchildren. Their grandchildren were a special delight to them, and they spent as much time as possible enjoying and nurturing each one. After retirement, they discovered their love of travel and thoroughly enjoyed all their new adventures.
Bernie met Martha Steger while they were both attending Greggton Methodist Church. They both loved traveling and had many of the same interests. They were married in 2003 and enjoyed twenty years together. They traveled abroad, went on cruises, and enjoyed many trips in the states as well. They had many friends who loved playing cards as much as they did, so Friday nights became pizza and cards night. They were active members of Wellmaker Joy Sunday School Class and enjoyed all of their social outings. He relied on his devoted wife, Martha, who was by his side and took care of his every need this past year.
He spent many years with his daughters as a softball coach, bowling coach, and school sponsored trips with the Pine Tree High School Band. When the grandkids arrived, he spent untold hours just being a kid with them. He was the biggest fan of all the kids whether it was football, baseball, volleyball, tennis, horseshows, or just playing with them in the yard. Bernie truly enjoyed teaching all his family how to bowl, fish, golf, play ping-pong, and card games. Camping will always hold some of the greatest fun and sweet memories. While teaching them many games, he conveyed the truly important lessons of life of faith, compassion, integrity, honesty, and respect for others leading by example rather than words. Spending time with his family was truly when he was happiest. He was always the life of our party with his quick wit and sense of humor.
Being active in the Longview Bowling Association for many years as a scratch bowler, coach for the youth leagues, League President, and he was elected to the Hall of Fame. He was a lifelong Cowboy and Ranger Fan, avid fisherman, and golfer.
Bernie loved his Lord. He also loved Greggton Methodist Church and his Church family with a happy heart. He served on numerous boards and committees, greeter, and head usher. After fifty years of service, he was awarded an honorary monogrammed usher plate. Bernie also met weekly with the Men’s prayer group, and enjoyed golf with some of this same group. He loved his family, and he loved people but most of all he loved God.
Knowing this man as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, or a friend, you knew you were cherished and loved. He had the capacity to love you fully. He lived openly the scripture John 13:34 “Love one another as I have loved you.” Bernie lived a life full of faith. His love, care, and support for his family was always true and steadfast.
Martha wanted to thank the Life Care Hospice for their care.
Those left to cherish his profound legacy are his wife, Martha Tatum, his daughters Cheryl Eitelman and Vicki Couser, and son-in-law Kyle Couser. Grandchildren Aaron Bussey, Trent Bussey, Kailey and husband, Mark Hatfield, and great grandson, Hudson Tatum Hatfield. Step grandchildren Robert Eitelman and Carrie Eitelman. Nephews Mike Enoch (spouse Susan), Kelly Olive (wife Jan) Nieces Janet Nolen, Debra Gilmore (spouse Mike), and all their children. Stepson, Al and wife, Susan, step grandchildren Michelle, Ashley, Ryan, and Jared.
Preceding him in death Bonnie Tatum, Mark Eitelman, Hobart and Jimmeye Enoch, Kenneth and Kathern Olive, Collins and Velma Tatum, Jim and Bonnie Robertson, and Louise Stevens. Memorial contributions may be made to Greggton United Methodist Church.
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