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BORN
1927
DIED
2022
Willard Tatum Obituary
April 23, 1927 - November 2, 2022
Elk Grove, California -
Willard "Bill" Lovell Tatum, aged 95, passed away on 11/2/22 in Elk Grove, CA. Born 4/23/27 in Oakland, CA, he is survived by his wife Joan Banner Tatum, children, Jennie Nitta (Mark), Elizabeth Hill (Tony), bonus children David Hill (Christie), Becky Alexander (Richard), Melissa Hill, and Sheri Berger (Jeff), 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Bill served in the Army during WWII and worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad and Amtrak as a Locomotive Engineer. In retirement, he volunteered at the Sacramento Railroad Museum driving the trains for many years, was a 3rd degree Mason and member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Services will be held at Newcastle Cemetery 11/14/22 at 1pm, In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sacramento Railroad Museum Foundation.
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Memories and Condolences
for Willard Tatum
Harriet Domis
November 14, 2022
I will miss you my Billy. We met in Maui a long time ago. Witnessed your beautiful wedding and was lucky enough to count you as my special friends. I will cherish our memories and I will be a good friend to Joan as long as I can. Be at peace, my dear friend. Much love, Harriet Domis, aka Lichtman;)
Linda & Russell D'Agostino-Dudka
November 14, 2022
Bill, you were one of a kind! Always there with Aloha and "true stories". You will be missed, but we are thankful for the time we shared in Maui. A Hui Hou our friend. Sending Aloha Spirt to you and your family; especially Joan! Aloha, Linda & Russell D'Agostino-Dudka (Maui Ohana to Bill and Joan)
Phil Gosney
November 13, 2022
"Old Smoothie"... a great engineer and good friend has passed away. Bill was the ultimate, professional locomotive engineer having worked for the Southern Pacific and Amtrak for 45 years. He volunteered as engineer on the excurison trains at the Calif State Railroad Museum at Sacramento after he retired. A trip with him was rewarded with stories recounting his early career working on Cab-Forward steam locomotives, blizzards on Donner Pass and working obscure local freight trains to places like Paradise and Sterling City, CA, lines which have long been abadoned. He was highly regarded for his smooth train handling and always had the best outlook and attitude which was infectious. Best of all, he was always willing to let you run the train and offered "his" style of train handling, coaching you on the techniques which provided the best possible ride for our passengers. Many engineers of his calibur would barely give you the time of day, much less any acknowledgment. Not Bill. He treated everyone with respect and gladly helped any engineer who showed an interest or willingness to learn or refine their skills. A true gentleman, indeed, as well as a great engineer. He was one to emulate in many aspects on the job.
He enjoyed and collected over 30 years of well deserved railroad retirement. Few have equalled Bill's high standard of train handling, dedication to his craft and genuine personality. He was a true stand out. High greens, Bill. I know you will be giving everyone a smooth ride on their final journey. You will not be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to Joan and your family for your loss
Phil Gosney
Retired Amtrak Engineer who worked with Bill.
Popi and Stan
November 12, 2022
Sweet Bill, you are gone but you will never be forgotten. Your love of family and friends and your sweet spirit will go on to eternity. Popi and Stan
Joan Tatum Banner
November 11, 2022
Together Forever
You were my love, my life, my everything. Your sweet soul will always be remembered and you will always be a part of me. Until we are together again.
Your loving wife, Joan
Joan and Gerry White
November 9, 2022
We are all better people for having known Bill..such a wonderful man....love to Joanie and family
Joyce Glanville
November 9, 2022
To the greatest storyteller I´ve known. A wonderful gentleman, a wonderful husband, and a wonderful friend.Joyce Glanville
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