John Henry Tatum

Funeral services for John Henry Tatum, 90, of Lufkin will be held Saturday, September 20, 2025, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Dunk Havard Cemetery.

John Henry Tatum died peacefully at home on September 16, 2025 with his wife of twenty years, JoAnn Tatum, and his beloved dog, Susie, at his side. John Henry was born on October 31, 1934 in Camp Ruby, Polk County, Texas, to his mother and father, Rosella Best Tatum and Elwin Tatum. The family later moved to Keltys where John Henry grew up. He graduated from Lufkin High School in 1954 and joined the United States Army serving in Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1961. Returning home, John Henry earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1962, He then attended the University of Houston School of Law, working during the day and attending classes at night. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1965.

John Henry was an activist and an office holder. He served as Angelina County Attorney from 1968 until 1976. He and Audrey attended the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in 1968 where John Henry served as an alternate delegate. He was a candidate for chairman of the Texas Democratic Party in 1976, and served many years as the Angelina County Democratic Party chair. John Henry was known for being outspoken. He stood up with and represented African American people when it wasn’t popular to do so and could have been dangerous. Later in life, he was proud to be honored by the Lufkin NAACP for his lifetime of activism. His politics reflected what he valued, caring for others and speaking the truth.

In midlife, John Henry became a runner, running fifty two races the year he turned fifty-two. He said he started running because walking was too dull. John Henry founded the Pineywoods Pacers, the first running club in Deep East Texas. Running also provided a group of new, stalwart friends who were a constant blessing in his life.

John Henry married Audrey Seamons Tatum in 1957. They welcomed three children: Luan, John II, and Scott. In his final years of active practice, he shared his office with all three of his children. Additionally, he was a proud Paw Paw to his four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren with whom he was generous, loving and cantankerous.

In 2005, John Henry was married to JoAnn Tatum bringing into his life her children: Kelly, Frankie, two Jeffs, and a fifth grandchild, Lillianna. He and JoAnn enjoyed twenty happy years together travelling, gardening and enjoying a life full of family and friends. They shared their home with Susie the dog and a cat called Skitty Kitty.

John Henry was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey Tatum; his brother, James Tatum; his son-in-law, Phil Parr; and his son, John Henry Tatum II.

Survivors include his wife JoAnn; sister, Peggy Lankford; sister, Roseann Harbuck; daughter, Luan Tatum; daughter-in-law, Penny Tatum; son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Shelley Tatum; grandchildren, Callie and Chase Crocker; John III and Megan Tatum; Victoria Tatum and Anthony Moeller; and Elizabeth Tatum; and great-grandchildren, Hank Crocker, Audrey Crocker and Cooper Tatum.

Pallbearers will be John Henry Tatum III, Chase Crocker, Bob Inselmann, Pedro Barboza-Soto, Clyde Herrington, Scott Tatum, and Kermit Kennedy.

Honorary pallbearers will be Chuck Dendy, Jon L. Anderson, Jerry Whiteker, and Claude E. Welch.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon prior to the service.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.