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Phil Tatum

December 1, 1939 ~ April 10, 2023

Born in: Memphis, TN
Resided in: Farmington, MO

Phillip “Phil” Lawrence Tatum, 83, of Farmington passed away April 10, 2023 at Presbyterian Manor in Farmington. He was born December 1, 1939 in Memphis, TN to the late Charles Finley and Leta Mae (Coleman) Tatum. Phil had a passion for drawing. He was an art teacher for the Farmington School District for over 30 years. He was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Farmington, where he enjoyed singing in the choir.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, Harold Tatum and Ray Tatum.

Phil is survived by his loving wife, Glenna (Medlock) Tatum; one daughter, Kelly Murphy and husband Patrick; grandchildren, Brady Coleman Cox (Rielle LaCava), Kalyn Brooke McAllister and husband SSG Arran McAllister, Brianna Murphy, Zack Murphy; great-grandson, Bennett Michael McAllister. Several nieces, nephews and friends also survive.

A memorial visitation will be held Monday, April 17, 2023 from 11:00 AM until the time of a memorial service at Noon at the First Baptist Church of Farmington with Rev. Rocky Good officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements are under the direction of C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home – Taylor Chapel in Farmington.

Services

Memorial Visitation: Monday, April 17, 2023
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

First Baptist Church - Farmington
210 N. A Street
Farmington, MO 63640


Memorial Service: Monday, April 17, 2023
12:00 pm

First Baptist Church - Farmington
210 N. A Street
Farmington, MO 63640


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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Candle 2Glenna and family, Sorry for your loss. May God grant you strength and comfort today and in the days ahead.

  2. Candle 8So sad. Mr Tatum was my teacher many years ago. Sending Prayers to his Family…..🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

  3. Candle 3Thank you for the laughter and inspiration. You will be missed. Until we meet again, rest well Mr.Tatum

  4. Candle 8Mr Tatum was my favorite art teacher.
    In 6th grade he not only managed to get preteens interested in our assessments he also captured our attention and entertained us. He introduced us to the bull skull “Hector” and was always the highlight of the day. He will be missed but remembered always ❤️

  5. Candle 6I can say for certain that my love for art and my passion to pursue it would not be where it is today had I not been fortunate enough to have Mr. Tatum as a teacher so early on in life. Thank you for all you taught us, Mr. Tatum.

  6. Candle 6Dear Glenna, years ago, early in our careers (you were at Farmington, and I was at Central), our paths would cross periodically at combined teachers’ meetings, etc. Although I didn’t know you well, I always admired you both for being such a devoted teaching couple. Please know that I am very sad to learn of Phil’s passing and that I am sending you love, hugs, and prayers.

  7. Mr. Tatum is the only teacher I remember from middle school. I loved his art classes. He was funny, kind, and inspiring. Sorry for your loss.

  8. I’m so sorry to hear about Mr. Tatum. I always thought the world of him and he was one of the best teachers! He made Art so much fun and I will never forget him and his great personality he had! Prayers go out to his family.

  9. I have fond memories of Uncle Phil as a child. He always had a smile and a sweet, calming presence.
    My heart goes out to you and prayers lifted up for you and the whole family suing this difficult time.

  10. Candle 6Mr Tatum was my art teacher at Farmington high school. We all loved him as a tacher and loved to here him sing. He will be greatly missed.

  11. Candle 2My mom just told me of Mr. Tatum’s passing. I truly have never and will never forget him. He made such an impact to so many of us through the way he taught art. I was definitely not an artist and he made me love and appreciate it to where I took every single class I could in middle school just so I could have him. “What’s the difference between looking and seeing?” He would always ask us that…rest in peace dear Mr. Tatum…you have been such a blessing to so many!

  12. “ A gentle soul, with a kind heart, and a wry sense of humor”…….. these are the thoughts that came to me instantly, upon hearing of the passing of Mr. Phil Tatum. I, like many other people, have fond memories of Mr. Tatum as our six grade art teacher. He was one of those very special teachers that you never ever forget over your lifetime. To me, the most special memories were the times I would watch and listen to Mr. Tatum sing in the First Baptist Church of Farmington adult choir next to my father for so many years. God bless you Phil and may you rest in peace eternal with our heavenly father. 🕊️


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