Robert S. Tatum

Robert Stevens Tatum, 56, of Colonial Heights, Va., passed away on Wednesday, July 8, 2009, after a valiant battle with cancer.

Steve was born on Jan. 13, 1953, the loving son of Robert Walton and Marguerite White Tatum of Colonial Heights. Also surviving him is his cherished wife of 20 years, Susan Hudson Tatum. Steve was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, boating and his place at the lake. He had a successful business of home repairs and remodeling with his good friend and business partner, Butch William,s and later with his father, Robert W. Tatum. Steve thoroughly enjoyed his work as building inspector for the City of Colonial Heights, where he worked until his medical retirement in 2006. During his illness Steve stayed active with his research in genealogy. Through this work he became a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and the Sons of the American Revolution, under many different ancestors.

Surviving family members in addition to his parents and wife are his two daughters by his first marriage, Jennifer T. Stalls and husband, Will, and Megan T. Cannon and husband, John; three granddaughters; a brother, Mark A. Tatum and wife, Patricia: a sister, Karen T. Valente and husband, Anthony; three nephews. Additional surviving family members are sisters-in-law, Sandra H. Browder (Gerald) and Carol H. Price (Len); three nieces; one nephew; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 11, 2009, in the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society 4240 Park Place Court, P.O. Box 6359, Glen Allen, VA 23058 per Steve's wishes. Interment private. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.