In Celebration of the Life of
Steven Eugene Tatum
Steven Eugene Tatum, (PawPaw), age 61, was born July 17, 1959 and passed away in his home on March 28, 2021, surrounded by family and friends.
Steve is survived by his loving, devoted wife of 34 years, Susan Lynn Tatum, son; Jason Tatum and wife, Amber, daughters; Tiffany Emmerich and husband Eduardo, and Taylor Robbins and husband, Jamie.
Grandsons: Micah Tatum, Bosten and Beckum Tatum, Nolan and Grant Emmerich, Joshua, Noah and Luke Robbins. Granddaughters: Allie and Jillian Emmerich and Adyson Robbins.
Other survivors include his Mother, Virginia Barnhill and husband, Ron, Sister Lisa Hudson and husband Paul. Mother in law, Sue Rapsilver. Brothers and sisters in law and numerous nieces and nephews.
Steve is preceded in death by his father, Via Wayne Tatum, Brother, Ricky Tatum, Sister, Pat Alcala and husband Ray. Father-in-law, Tommy W. Rapsilver, Sr.
Steve was a hard-working man and did his job with dedication and pride. He began working at the age of 14 at Pick-a-pair shoes. Quickly moving to the grocery business working for multiple grocery stores including Gerland’s Food, Food Fair and Randal’s.
In 2003, he decided to make a change to try something new and became a District Manager for Dollar General. He had a large district of 20 stores and managed to get his district to number one, which made him very proud. He made many friendships and had devoted managers and employees which became his second family. In June 2017 he was promoted to Divisional Projects Manager, where he would oversee new construction, and Lord knows there is a lot of those! He traveled through Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Oklahoma and where ever else he was needed to go. He was dedicated to his job and to his merchandisers where he has been called “the best boss they ever had”!
Outside of work, Steve loved his family hard. Always taking every chance he had to spend time with his kids and grandkids. Taking trips to San Antonio, Galveston, Tennessee, Arkansas and Louisiana. He loved the laughter of his grands and he loved to sleep! Which he did on all the traveling trips only to wake once we arrived! He loved fishing, going to the movies and out to eat! Steve was on a first name basis at the Waffle House and Jade Palace and knew where every Golden Corral was! He loved to grill, especially chicken legs and ribs and wanted family over while we did. He was most content when the house was full of people. He loved shooting BB guns with his grands and riding them around on the tractor. He relaxed by doing yardwork and riding his mower and edging, but hated raking leaves!
He had a great love for Jesus and a deep desire to find out more about him. Now he has all the answers he needs!
A special thank you to Shelly Rapsilver for helping care for Steve and easing the burden so flawlessly. She was truly our earth angel. Also a special thanks to Devotion Hospice which made this transition as easy as possible for our family. Steve will forever be in our hearts until we meet again.
Steve will have a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, 10 am at Rosewood Funeral Home, 17404 W Lake Houston Pkwy, Atascocita, Tx 77346