Thomas Franklin "Pop" Tatum

Memorial services for Thomas Franklin “Pop” Tatum, 88, of Lufkin will be held Sunday, August 16, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. at The Lodge (104 W Shepherd), and will be officiated by The Reverend Randall Green.

Mr. Tatum was born July 17, 1927 in Lufkin, Texas to Leslie and Ruth (Stovall) Tatum, and died Friday, August 14, 2015 in Lufkin. He married Doris McCarty in 1949 and they spent the next 65 years happily married.

Mr. Tatum graduated from Lufkin High School in 1946 and Stephen F. Austin State University in 1950. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 to 1952 and was then a retail merchant for 30 years, owning Ben Franklin stores in Lufkin and Diboll.

Mr. Tatum was a loving son, husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, always putting the needs of others before his own. He loved sports (especially Hudson Hornet basketball), animals, and the outdoors, but always gave the best of his time and attention to his family. Mr. Tatum was a charter member of Christ Congregational Church - a place he loved and served and was loved and served.

Survivors include his wife, Doris Tatum; daughter, Jane Fischer Medlin and husband Mike; grandsons and their wives, Austin and Allison Fischer, Adam and Nicole Fischer, and Matthew Tatum; great-grandsons, Wyatt Thomas Fischer and Samuel Tatum; sister-in-law, Mary Jule Tatum; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Leslie and Ruth Tatum; son, Tommy Tatum; and brother, Joseph Tatum.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W. Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904, Christ Congregational Church, P.O. Box 27, Lufkin, Texas 75902, or a charity of your choice.

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

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.