David W. Tatum was born July 15, 1961, in Modesto, California, the son of Marvin M. Tatum and Patricia Ann (Snow) Tatum. He passed away on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in Neosho, Missouri, at the age of 65.

Around 1973, David moved with his family to the Granby area, where he grew up close to his grandparents and his uncle, Richard Snow. While in high school, he attended Crowder Vo-Tech and graduated from East Newton High School in 1979. Following graduation, David had an adventurous spirit—spending summers working in Yellowstone National Park and a winter working at a Colorado ski resort. He went on to spend most of his working life dedicated to the bricklaying trade.

An avid outdoorsman, David loved hunting and fishing, and he was rarely without a faithful canine companion, holding a special bond with his favorite Australian Shepherd, Fritz. He was a passionate music fan, especially when it came to 1970s rock and roll.

David is survived by his father, Marvin M. Tatum of Granby, Missouri; one brother, Mark M. Tatum of Chadwick, Missouri; one niece, Jamie Tatum of Springfield, Missouri; and her son, Makson M. Tatum.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Ann Tatum; his grandparents; and his uncle, Richard Snow.