(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)Leonard Lee Tatum (Len), age 61 of Joplin, Missouri passed away Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Barnes Jewish Hospital following a sudden illness.
He was born July 22, 1962 in Macon, Missouri to William and Eleanor (Myszke) Tatum.
In his early years, Len spent his childhood in Australia with his family. He grew up hunting and fishing daily on a riverbank to provide food for the family and they earned recognition in a global publication due to their unique family lifestyle.
His vast imagination and ability to create products from unique materials served him well in his construction career. Len was owner/operator of Tatum Construction and worked in construction for over 40 years. He also worked at Fleming Foods for approximately ten years with lasting friendships. He was also a member of Joplin Elk’s Lodge #501 where he enjoyed dancing and fellowship. He was a member and guest instructor of the round dance Tanglefooters club. Len also helped to launch the first business BNI group in Joplin – Greater Joplin Business Connection.
Len attended Christ’s Church of Oronogo and taught Sunday School as well as helped with projects in the church. His ministry included donated services for the Right Here, Right Now campaign as well as a ministry where he built trust first with low-income families/widows and completed projects at a reduced price and/or for free in the four-state area.
Len married Jill (Womack) Thomas on September 9, 2000 and she survives.
He is also survived by two daughters, Shaelyn Davis and husband Jerry, JeLynn Tatum and fiancé William Metzger; two sons, Austin Tatum and Keaton Tatum; one grandson, Romel; mother, Eleanor; five brothers, William, Robert, Frank, Allen, Harold; four sisters, Frances, Lucinda, Mary Ann, Betty and a host of extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, William and one brother, James.
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