Dale Eugene Tatum peacefully crossed over to God’s green pastures at his home in Wickliffe on December 27, 2025.
Born to Treever and Bessie Tatum in Wyatt, Missouri, on April 27, 1949, Dale grew up with his many siblings before marrying the love of his life, Cherie Holmes Tatum in 1967. They moved to Anniston for many years before moving to their home and family farm in Wickliffe, Kentucky. He was known as “Rooster” to many.
Dale was an entrepreneur, owning many businesses throughout his life. He owned a successful construction business for over 40 years, Dale Tatum Grain Elevator Repair, contracting with Bunge. In 2006, Dale retired to the farm, and his sons continued the construction business for another 10 years with Bunge. He traveled for most of his career all over the Midwest with his crew. He worked side by side with his two sons for many years. Dale worked hard at everything he did, and never half-butt did anything. His unrelenting drive and dedication rubbed off on his entire family. Some of his greatest joys were in farming. He owned cattle, horses, pigs, and all kinds of other animals. He was very knowledgeable in gardening and horticulture.
He enjoyed making people laugh, telling jokes, and eating fresh seafood. If he wasn’t working in his long-sleeved Wrangler shirt (that he wore year-round) and work boots, you’d see him in his pearl snaps and snakeskin boots. He most likely had a Pepsi in hand and a list in his front shirt pocket on his way to get parts or supplies.
Dale is survived by his wife of 58 years, Cherie Tatum; two sons, Dale Jr. (Missy) Tatum of Bertrand, Missouri, and Shaun (Rebekah) Tatum of Wickliffe; and three grandchildren, Jake (Dessie) Tatum of East Prairie Missouri, Maddie (Clayton) Reynolds of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and Lindsay (Dustin) Bowles of Wickliffe.
He was preceded in death by an infant grandson, Caleb Aaron Tatum; a brother, Ronnie Tatum; and his parents.
A memorial service will be held on the family farm at a later date.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Ronald McDonald House, www.rmhc.org/donate, or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
