| Bio | William Barry Tatum was born November 28, 1944, in Independence, Missouri. He was the son of James William and Norma Jean Tatum, and the older brother of Patricia Otstott.
As a young boy, he was full of life, strong, fun-loving, and mischievous. He loved fishing with his “Aunt” Bine, following his Grandpa Berry around town for whatever trouble his grandpa found, playing catcher for the baseball team, and eating cake and drinking chocolate malts for breakfast with his mom.
He met the love of his life, Joyce, whom he called “the prettiest girl in the world” until the end, while in High School at Van Horn. On August 25, 1962, just after graduating, he married her at 17 years old. They went on to enjoy a 60-year marriage.
He hob-knobbed around in various jobs and Ernie’s Bar in Sugar Creek until his daughter, Jody, was born in 1964. She became his beer-joint buddy at Ernie’s, while he went to work for Ford Motor Company at the Claycomo plant (a job he held in various positions until his retirement in 1998). In 1970, his son, Mark, was born. He spent the next many years providing for his family, coaching softball and baseball, playing golf, riding motorcycles, working on cars, and loving Joyce.
Over time, he joined the Independence Jaycees, where he loved serving as the Independence July 4th parade Chairman and dressing in a Gorilla costume for Halloween and scaring people in line for the haunted house at Webb Castle. He was active with the Ararat Shrine, where he served with the Provost, the Motorcycle Corps, and the Greeters, the Scottish Rite (33rd degree), the Masonic Lodge (32nd degree), the Royal Order of the Jesters, and a variety of other organizations.
Barry loved hanging at Pebble Beach with his brother-in-law, Dick Otstott. Two of his proudest moments were walking his daughter Jody down the aisle to marry Daren Fristoe, and serving as his son’s Best Man when Mark married Mindy.
Grandpa Barry loved his grandchildren, Adam Fristoe “Adam Connor”, Emma Fristoe “Emma Girl”, Samuel Tatum “My Man Sam”, Marlo Tatum “Marlo Marlo”, and Penelope Tatum “My Little Girl”. He was their number one fan. He loved watching their events and sports, and was always the loudest cheer leader in the stands (on the front row).
Barry loved his friends, and stayed close with his high school buddies, his work buddies, his shrine buddies, and his Jesters. He loved Scotch and a cigar, lunch with the boys, parades with the bikers, and talking about the 3 Gs: Guns, Guitars, and Golf.
Barry passed on April 10, 2023, at his home, with those he loved. He lived this world as a rock and left it so. All will miss his loud laughter, his simple pleasures, and his rock-solid presence.
A visitation for William will be held Thursday, April 27, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 10:52 AM at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer and Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131, followed by a celebration of life from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Your friendship and thoughts are enough. There is no need for flowers or donations. But if you are compelled, please consider donating to the Ararat Shrine Transportation Fund or the City Union Mission. |
