Stephen George Tatum

Santa Clara - Stephen George Tatum, age 83, of Santa Clara, UT, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2024.

Steve was born December 29, 1940, in Tucson, Arizona. He was the son of George Dennis Tatum and Ruth Merle Curtis.

Steve was raised in Phoenix, Arizona and as he grew spent a lot of time working on his father's farm in Buckeye. In 1961, Steve left to serve a two-year LDS mission in the West Central States Mission in Billings Montana, the same area his grandfather had served a mission on in 1909. When he returned, he joined the Army Reserves and went to Basic Training and Medical Aidman Training.

He began college at Phoenix College, majoring in Medical Technology. While there he met a pretty, dark-haired girl in one of his classes carrying a BYU Cougars notebook. He would marry that girl, Carol Ann Schafer, four years later September 13, 1968, in the Mesa Arizona temple. Carol was the love of his life. He went on to have a career as a Medical Technologist and continued serving as an Army Reservist. He was called up to active duty during Desert Storm and worked at a hospital in Germany, caring for wounded soldiers.

Steve was known for his kindness and acts of service. He was always the first to volunteer and was very faithful in fulfilling his church callings.

He is survived by his devoted wife: Carol Tatum; loving children: Rebecca Rasmussen (Scott) of Santa Clara, UT; Rachel Suchla of Santa Clara, UT; Debra Stowell (Todd) of Cody, WY; Matthew Tatum (Katia) of Cañon City, CO; Daniel Tatum of Lehi, UT; along with 11 grandchildren. He is also survived by his remaining sibling, Pamela Johnston of Spokane, WA, and his dear nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Michael Tatum, and his grandson Nathan Rasmussen.