Leland (“Lee”) Tatum, 89, passed away in Colorado Springs, Colorado on Friday, December 31, 2021 following a brief illness. Born December 22, 1932 in Dodge City, Kansas, Lee was raised in the southwest Kansas town of Liberal, graduated from Liberal High School in 1950 and attended the University of Kansas, graduating in 1955 with a degree in civil engineering. He then served in the Army Corp of Engineers as a Second Lieutenant where he spent much of his service in France and enjoyed exploring Europe during his time there. Following military service, Lee lived and worked in Kansas City, Missouri where he met Patricia Croley Tatum. They married on April 8, 1961. Lee and Patricia moved to her hometown of Carthage, Missouri where he was a partner at U.S. Art Marble until 1968. Two children – Richard and Mary – were born while in Carthage. Following several moves throughout the midwest, Lee and his family settled in Houston, Texas in 1971 where he worked in the Houston construction industry as a sales and civil engineer and manufacturer’s representative for 35 years. His wife Patricia passed away in 1996. Lee moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 2002. In retirement, he volunteered at Ecumenical Social Ministries and Garden of the Gods and was an active member at First Congregational United Church of Christ of Colorado Springs. He hiked extensively throughout the region with local hiking groups and friends as well as travelled internationally. Throughout his life, he loved art, the symphony and opera, history, nature, and architecture. His faith and church life remained constant and strong wherever his life’s journey took him. Gracious, kind, polite, thoughtful in word and deed, Lee’s friends and family admired, respected, and valued him deeply throughout his long and full life. Leland is preceded in death by his wife Patricia, his parents Edwin and Virginia Tatum, and brother, William Richard Tatum. He is survived by his son, Richard Tatum (Joanne Rhee) of New York City, daughter, Mary Tatum (Tamara Bartlett) of Manitou Springs, and 3 grandchildren: Julia Beebe, Mikaela Lansberry, and Glenn Tatum. Nieces Jo’Anna Tatum Snowden, Amy Tatum Peek, Kathryn Tatum Al Shloul, Kristine Bremer, Kari Bremer and nephews Rolf Bremer, Glenn Bremer and John Bremer. A memorial service celebrating Lee’s life will be held at First Congregational Church, 20 East Saint Vrain Street, in Colorado Springs on Thursday, January 6 at 10 a.m. Memorial donations may be sent to Westside Cares (https://www.westsidecares.org/donate/ or 2808 W. Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80904)
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