Alvin Ray Tatum went to be with the Lord on May 18, 2019 at the age of 80 in his home.
He had spent the day surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Alvin was a devoted father
and “Papa”, and he was an avid farmer and rancher. Not only was Alvin tall in stature, but his
heart was just as big. He was a man of kindness and integrity, and his perseverance was
unmatched.
Alvin was born on August 29, 1938 in Calumet, Oklahoma to Lena James and Robert Lee
Tatum. Alvin began his life-long passion as a farmer at the age of 14 in Mustang, Oklahoma
after his father fell ill and was unable to continue farming. It was at this early age that Alvin
learned the true value of family and hard work through the 13 years working the family farm.
In 1965, he married Judy Curlee of Tuttle, Oklahoma. They continued farming as a team
in Mustang for another 8 years until deciding to purchase land to begin their own dairy farm in
Marlow, Oklahoma in 1973.
It was in Marlow that they continued the hard work of farming, ranching, and raising a
family. Through the ups and downs of farming economics, seven-day work weeks, and
spending time with family, he always made sure to set the example of how to press forward
and keep your head held high. Alvin spent his days working sun up to sun down and Judy was
always by his side or, at the very least, there to open the gate and execute his big ideas.
Alvin enjoyed visiting with people almost as much as he did farming. He never met a
stranger, and if he did, he found out where they were from. He had a unique ability to find a tie
to a friend or relative regardless of where he was. Anyone who knew Alvin remembers him by
his constant grin and ornery personality.
Alvin is survived by Judy, his wife and partner of 54 years; children Aaron Tatum, Andi
and her husband Dee Davis, and Aleta and her husband Randy Wilson. He adored his
grandchildren Lyndse and her husband Conner Sager, Addison Tatum-Wortham, Baleigh
Davenport, Karsen and her husband Kale Reed, Kale Baker, step-grandchildren Brian and his
wife Kim Davis, Brad and his wife Lauren Davis, Brian and his wife Breanna Wilson, Clay Wilson
and his fiancé Tessa, Mitch Wilson and Jane Frances.
He is preceded in death by his mother Lena Tatum, father Lee Tatum, brothers Delbert
Tatum and Richard Tatum, and beloved niece Sherry.
A celebration of his life will be held at First Baptist Church on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at
2:00 in the afternoon.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation to Marlow FFA Ag.
Booster Club/Century Club, 607 North 5th Street, Marlow, OK 73055 in memory of Alvin Tatum.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Callaway-Smith-Cobb Funeral and Cremation
Services.