John Tatum

A Time to Be Born – Thelbert "John" Tatum was born February 18, 1937, in Banks, Arkansas to the late Carrol and Velva Ree Momon Tatum.

A Time Serve – He dedicated his life to Christ by becoming a member of Snow Hill Baptist Church, Smackover, AR. He loved to play the piano and committed this talent to Beulah Grove and New Bethel Baptist Churches of El Dorado, Arkansas.

A Time to Love- He was united in Holy Matrimony to Willie Jean Benton on March 20, 2010.

A Time to Laugh – John's favorite sport was football, which he watched as often as he could. And without a doubt, he became an avid San Francisco 49er fan. Besides the piano, he loved to tinker with the base guitar. His go-to outdoor activities were hunting, fishing, riding his four-wheeler while drinking a cold can of Dr.. Pepper.

A Time to Work – He retired after several years of employment as a Safeway Supervisor in Sacramento, California. Upon moving to El Dorado, Arkansas, he continued working for the community as a truck driver for the Salvation Army until his health began to deteriorate.

A Time to Mourn – Thelbert John Tatum made a transition from his residential home to his heavenly home on Sunday, August 17, 2025, in El Dorado, Arkansas.

Thelbert "John" Tatum is survived by his wife of fifteen years, Willie Jean Tatum of El Dorado, Arkansas; a son, Rodney (Monica) Tatum of Moreno Valley, California; two daughters, Debra Tatum Desilva and Brenda (Alfred) Tatum Davis; bonus children, son, Greg Benton of Olive Branch, Mississippi; two daughters, Veronica Benton of Fort Worth, Texas and Danielle (Michael) Young of El Dorado, Arkansas; four brothers, Reverend Curtis (Barbara) Tatum of El Dorado, Arkansas, Elder Larry (Betty Joyce)Tatum of Banks, Arkansas, Leon Tatum of Fort Worth, Texas and Harold Tatum (Linda) of Arlington, Texas; two sisters, Erma Jean Menchan of Passacic, New Jersey and Travusteen Freeman, Florida; eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.