Lee Edward Tatum

Lee Edward Tatum, 84, of Sedalia, MO, passed away on May 31, 2025, at EW Thompson Health and Rehabilitation Center in Sedalia, MO. He was born on July 21, 1940, in Hawk Springs, WY, the son of Ernest George Tatum and Opal Pauline Mickelsen Tatum, who preceded him in death.

On November 24, 1961, in Lincoln, MO, he was united in marriage to Judith Leynette (Meyer) Tatum, who preceded him in death on March 23, 2021.

Lee was a graduate of Lincoln High School, class of 1957. He was baptized on July 29, 1956, at the First Baptist Church in Lincoln, Missouri. Later, he was confirmed on June 13, 2010, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Sedalia, Missouri, where he was a member. Lee and Judy raised all of their children in Sedalia.

Lee deeply loved and cared for his family, working hard to provide for them. He enjoyed restoring old tractors and cars. In his later years, he took pleasure in mowing ten acres of grass and tending to his garden.

Lee is survived by seven children, Penny Camirand (Richard), Becky Manuel, E. Lee Tatum, Kenny Tatum, Unique Grimes (Alex), Bonnie Argenbright (Tyler), Randy Tatum; son-in-law, Jim Ritzo; 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren plus one on the way in September; and two brothers, Jack Tatum (Helen) and Melvin Tatum.

In addition to his parents and wife, Lee was preceded in death by a daughter, Leah Ritzo; son-in-law, Paul Manuel; two great-grandchildren; a brother, Jim Tatum; and two sisters-in-law, Sharon Tatum and Wandy Tatum.

There are no formal services at this time. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church in the care of Rea Funeral Chapel.