Anthony Paul Tatum

Anthony Paul Tatum was born November 2, 1967, in Carrollton, Missouri. His parents Dorothy and Vernon Tatum cherished him and his big sister Malowa, and two years later, he became a big brother to Jason.

He weighed just four pounds, eight ounces at birth and was a living baby doll to his adoring grandparents, uncle and aunts. While his mother volunteered as a Candy Striper and prepared for nursing school, there was never a shortage of babysitters for the sweet infant, who throughout life enjoyed the love and support of his close-knit family.

Anthony attended elementary school at Mary Harmon Weeks and transferred to St. Martin de Porres School in the fifth grade. He began his high school education at Bishop Hogan and graduated from East High School in the Class of 1986. He did not attend college, but he was a student of the world, watching and learning everywhere he went.

In high school, Anthony and his brother worked as busboys at Royals Stadium Club. He later worked at Parade Park Liquor Store for five years and at Niecie’s Restaurant. Never one to sit idle, he started a lawncare business, at first on his own street, East 78 th Terrace, and then all around the area.

Anthony met his high school sweetheart, Kim Reed, while attending East High. Together, they welcomed a daughter, Sha’Nae Antwanette Tatum, in 1991. If you thought Anthony was happy to meet his daughter, he was overjoyed when his first grandson, Nathaniel (Nate) Isiah Tatum came into the world. Nine years later, Nate became the big brother to Naomi Joy. Anthony also had a son and grandson, both named Jimmy Watts. Anthony had a dynamic personality. No matter where he went, he always made friends; not just friends for the moment, but he built lasting relationships. He kept in touch with his family and was first to share everyone’s news. He once scheduled a two-week visit with his aunt, uncle and cousin in New York and Rhode Island and stayed for three years, making friends throughout the neighborhood, at church, at work and in stores.Everyone who met Anthony learned four things about him. He loved the Kansas City Chiefs ... he loved children … he loved to eat … and he loved to cook. Barbecue was his specialty; ribs and French Dip au jus were his favorites, and he showcased his cooking and eating talents freely and frequently. For many years, he would go to Rhode Island, where he would fire up the grill and cook a variety of meats while his friend Kevin served seafood delights to as many as 100 people who attended the Newport Jazz Festival. You would often see him carrying plates outside and when asked where he was going, he’d say he was taking it to Jay, the musician on the corner, to Mr. Milton, the neighborhood jitney driver, or to Miss Cookie, a 90-year-old widow who lived next door.

As his health worsened, Anthony was confined to a nursing home. On Sundays, his sister would pick him up and take him to Victorious Life Church, where he was a member, followed by an afternoon of lunch and laughter. No doubt, he remained in good spirits due to his love of God and the love from his supportive family. 

Anthony Paul Tatum was called to rest on July 29, 2024, at Research Medical Center.

Continuing to celebrate his life are: his daughter Sha’Nae Tatum of St. Louis; his sister Malowa Mays of Kansas City; his brother Jason Tatum of Independence; grandsons Nate Tatum and Jimmy Watts; granddaughter Naomi Tatum; aunts Bessie Howard of Kansas City, Josephine McClair of Carrollton and Carolyn McClair (Wayne Stokeling) of Newport, RI; his special cousin LaNita Adams of Newport, RI; his much-loved nieces Taylor, Jade and Myah and nephews Andre, Jericho and Colby; three great nieces Audreanna, Aniyah and Aeriyanna and great nephew Andre, Jr.; and a host of treasured cousins and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Vernon Tatum; his son Jimmy; his beloved grandparents Paul and Dora McClair; and his uncle Paul Leon McClair. Anthony Tatum was loved immensely and unconditionally. He will be missed, but there’s joy in knowing that he’s gone over there where the table is spread, and the feast of the Lord is going on.