Robert S. "Bobby" Tatum

Robert S. "Bobby" Tatum, 54 of Oak Grove, MO passed away Saturday evening, August 31, 2024 at his residence.  Bobby was born January 16, 1970 in Key West, FL to Joe and Jerri (Craven) Tatum and has been a longtime area resident graduating from Fort Osage High School in 1988.

Bobby will be remembered for his big heart and willingness to help others. A well-known soccer goalie in high school, Bobby turned down soccer scholarships after graduation; ready to make his mark in the world. He began working for the Soo Line Railroad in 1988 and spent over thirty years railroading. He was respected for his knowledge and leadership skills and was ultimately the Director of Transportation at the Kansas City Terminal Railway.

When Bobby became a father, he introduced his love for soccer to his girls. This began a new passion for coaching youth soccer. 

In 2008, Bobby was a founding member of the Jabali youth Futbol Club. Jabali (Strong as a Rock) was created with an alternative approach that removed the mentality of “win at all costs” and paid coaches and instead supported coaches focusing on each individual player to assist them to their full potential in soccer. 

Bobby became a board member of the Soccer Association of Independence in 2010. With a National D license he quickly became a pillar of the organization. He accepted the title of President of the SAI board in 2012. 

Bobby’s girls grew up on the soccer field. His passion for the game and development of players bled into his girls, who all played competitive and high school soccer.

Bobby’s “girls” grew by two more when he married Kelly. 

Spending time with his big family, whether it was taco parties at mom and dads, the Forest in South Carolina, or on the boat with his girls, the happiness in his heart showed through the smile on his face. 

But he could still always be found, at the SAI soccer fields, ensuring that all kids had a place on a team. Whether it was coaching, filling in for a missing referee, or setting up the fields, he did whatever was needed for the kids to enjoy the game. He taught them how to be good losers and humble winners (mostly winners). 

His love for his family, his wife, his girls and his grandchildren is where he found joy. Bobby touched many lives and will be missed by all. 

Bobby is survived by; his wife Kelly Tatum of the home; 4 daughters, Kelsey Morgan Conrad and husband Nathaniel of Grain Valley, MO, Karson Marie Tatum of Independence, MO, Karlee Michael Tatum of Kansas City, MO and Taylor Haynes and husband Dominic of Independence, MO; his parents, Joe and Jerri Tatum of Blue Springs, MO; a brother, Rodney Tatum and wife Yvonne of Acworth, GA; a sister, Tara Tatum Bradford and husband Jared of Kansas City, MO and 5 grandchildren, Asher, Romeo, Mila Azalea, Kinsley and Natalie.

Cremation is planned with a memorial service to be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at the Speaks Suburban Chapel. The family will greet friends from 1 to 3:00 pm, Saturday prior to the service at the chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family will be collecting funds to be donated to the Soccer Association of Independence (SAI).