Michael Arlen Tatman

Michael Arlen Tatman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and community servant, passed away on July 17, 2025. He was born on September 24, 1934, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, to Paul Allen Tatman and Johnnie Pearl Ford Tatman Lovell. Mike graduated from Siloam Springs High School in 1953, attending the University of Arkansas. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954. Upon honorable discharge in 1962, he attended Southwestern State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma, obtaining a degree in Horology. Mike continued his studies throughout his career, which led to him also being a trained Master Jeweler. Mike began his career in the jewelry industry by working for Hastings Jewelry in Siloam Springs, Arkansas before purchasing the business and moving it to Springdale, to be named Tatman's Jewelry. From a young age, Mike's life was intertwined with that of his beloved wife, Betty Nell Hastings Tatman. The two met in fifth grade in Siloam Springs and shared a lifetime of love, devotion, and laughter, including walking together in their Senior Homecoming game. They were married for over six decades and shared an unwavering bond through every chapter of life. Mike and Betty Nell welcomed their only daughter, Stephanie Ann Tatman Mersman, in 1967. His devotion to his family was steadfast, and he took immense pride in their close-knit life. Mike and Stephanie enjoyed a close bond, as he was her first love and hero. They enjoyed watching football together, especially the Razorbacks. Mike and Betty Nell opened Tatman's Jewelry in 1969. The couple proudly served the Northwest Arkansas community for decades, eventually relocating the store to Branson, Missouri in 2008. They cherished their time in Branson, reconnecting with longtime customers from NWA and forging new friendships. They fully retired in the early months of 2018. In 2021, they moved to Boulder, Colorado to be closer to Stephanie and her family, where they joined Longs Peak United Methodist Church in Longmont and became active members of the Rotary Club of Longmont. Mike was a dedicated community leader and deeply committed to service above self, truly embodying a servant's heart. Mike held various offices in the community, including the position of President, in several organizations including First United Methodist Church (Schneider Sunday School Class), the Springdale Riding Club, Springdale Country Club, Masonic Lodge #316, Springdale Rotary, and as a member of the Eastern Star. He also served as a Director of the Rodeo of the Ozarks for 38 years, earning him a well-deserved lifetime membership to the Professional Rodeo Association. Mike was proud to serve as the Chairman of the Rodeo Parade each July 1st and 4th that brought the community together to celebrate the birth of our country down Emma Avenue. His devotion and love of his country was known by all. He'd tell anyone that he was "ready to serve again today in a heartbeat." Mike served his country with distinction in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1962 as a member of the Strategic Air Command (SAC), often referred to as the "Bad Boys of the Air Force." Holding a Level Q security clearance, higher than Top Secret at the time, he was an Electrical Engineering Specialist that was responsible for the handling of nuclear weapons onto aircraft bound for the Bering Strait during the Cold War. His service reflected a deep sense of honor, discipline, and duty. One to always keep his word, none of his family knew of his specific involvement in the Air Force until he'd been discharged from the service for over 25 years. When being assigned to a base, he had requested "somewhere warm," as it turned out, he was assigned to the base in Alaska to assist in the nuclear program. Mike was a proud 53-year Rotarian, serving in the Springdale, Branson, and Longmont chapters. He was also a 32nd-degree Mason, with his home lodge being in Springdale, Arkansas, #316, where he was a perpetual member for 63 years. Mike will be remembered for his warmth, smile, dedication, humor (especially embarrassing his daughter in her teen years), and unshakeable integrity. We find joy in knowing that he is reunited with not only family and dear friends, but also with his loved horses, beagles, and Scottish Terriers, that he enjoyed so much. He lived a life of purpose and love, leaving a lasting mark on his family, friends, and communities across Arkansas, Missouri, and Colorado. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Paul Allen, and his mother, Johnnie Pearl, along with his youngest brother Richard Sherman Tatman. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 67 years, Betty Nell, his daughter Stephanie Ann and her family, husband Mark Thomas Mersman, and grandchildren Matthew Paul and Madelyn Grace. In addition, he leaves behind his brother James Wilburn of Mt Pleasant, TX, and his wife Becky, along with several nieces and nephews he held dear. A graveside service will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 1:00pm in Bluff Cemetery in Springdale, AR, with a Celebration of Life to follow in Longmont, CO (date TBD). Memorials may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation (www.parkinson.org) or to Longs Peak United Methodist Church in Longmont, CO (www.lpumc.org). Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneralchapel.com.