Joseph Leslie Tatum

Memorial services for Joseph Leslie Tatum will be held Sunday, January 26, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lufkin’s First United Methodist Church with The Reverend Randall K. Green and Reverend Grant Barnes officiating.

Joseph Leslie Tatum passed away at his home on Thursday, January 23, 2014 at the age of 84. He was born in Lufkin, Texas on November 17, 1929 to Leslie Tatum and Ruth Stovall Tatum. Joseph graduated from Lufkin High School in 1947. He attended Kilgore Junior College and graduated from Stephen F. Austin University with a degree in business. He served in the Navy during the Korean Conflict. Joseph was a merchant in Lufkin for over 35 years, owning Ben Franklin stores and later, The Yardstick.

Joseph was a life-long member of Lufkin’s First United Methodist Church and attended Christ Congregational Church. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Joseph was known by many as a generous man who was always helping others. He left a strong legacy of love for his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Jule Read Tatum, and his children and grandchildren: son, Joseph Leslie Tatum, Jr. and children, Justin, Joseph and Jacquelyn, and their mother, Gloria Tatum; daughter, Jule Tatum Fenley, husband Curt, and children, Anne, William and Mary Margaret; and son, Jay Read Tatum, wife Shana, and children, Read, Riley and James. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Doris Tatum, and his brother-in-law, Dr. Royce Read.

Joseph was predeceased by his parents; his infant son, Read; and grandson, John William.

The family has requested that any memorial contributions be sent to Lufkin’s First United Methodist Church, 805 E. Denman Ave., Lufkin, Texas 75901; to Christ Congregational Church, P.O. Box 27, Lufkin, Texas 75902; or to Lufkin’s First Baptist Church, 106 E. Bremond Ave., Lufkin, Texas 75901.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Saturday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors