Lawrence Edward "Larry" Tatum

Lawrence Edward “Larry” Tatum, 60, passed away Sunday, May 20, 2018.  The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.  A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at First Central Presbyterian Church.  Dr. Cliff Stewart and Dr. Janice Six will officiate.

Larry was born in Abilene, Texas on September 7, 1957 to Jim and Jane (Black) Tatum. He grew up in Abilene and graduated from Cooper High School in 1976. Larry was a lifelong learner. He took college classes, taught himself Spanish, was a collector, studied archeology, and was researching his own Chickasaw genealogy at the time of his death.

In the 1970s, Larry joined his father in Tatum Motors. Eventually, Larry started his own business where both of his sons, Justin and John Austin, worked with him before starting their careers in insurance. Larry retired from the business in 2015. 

Family was very important to Larry. He loved being the only brother to his three younger sisters and maintained close relationships with his parents, step-parents, children, and grandchildren.  His greatest joy was living to see both sons grow into fine men, happily married and fulfilled in their chosen careers. He loved both of his daughters-in-law as if they were his own daughters.  He was totally impartial when he said that his grandkids were the smartest, most beautiful, and wonderful kids he had ever seen.

In 1971, as a new student at school, Larry met and was befriended by Lynette Maniss. They became very good friends and were boyfriend and girlfriend at various points during junior high and high school. As is wont to happen, their paths eventually parted although their friendship remained. In 2004, Larry and Lynette came full circle and best friends became husband and wife on June 28 in Buffalo Gap, Texas at the Historic Village church.

During the latter part of his life, Larry was active in Love and Care ministries and obtained his state prison chaplain’s certification. He taught Bible studies and conducted worship services at a local prison for many years. In addition, he was active in the Kairos ministry. In accordance with Matthew 25:35-40, working with Love and Care ministries and serving as a prison chaplain were two of his most rewarding and significant life accomplishments.

Larry was a member of First Central Presbyterian Church.

He was preceded in death by his mother.

Larry is survived by his wife, Lynette Tatum of Abilene; his father, Jim Tatum and wife Janice also of Abilene; two sons, Justin Tatum and wife Alicia of Plano and John Austin Tatum and wife Lisa of Abilene; three sisters, Lisa Lackey and husband Gary of Dallas, Shannon Anwar and husband Badar of Las Vegas, Nevada, and LeeAnn Luttman of Lamberton, Minnesota; two grandchildren, Hudson Tatum and Grant Tatum; and his step-father, John Luttman of Lamberton, Minnesota as well as numerous extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made in Larry's name to: First Central Presbyterian Church Missions, 400 Orange Street, Abilene, Texas 79601 or to Love and Care Ministries , 233 Fannin Street, Abilene, Texas 79603.