Donald Wayne "Donnie" Tatum

Donald “Donnie” Tatum
On June 23rd, 2017, the Dallas Cowboys lost their biggest fan. Donnie Tatum, 58, of Missoula passed away at St. Patrick Hospital, of complications from a past spinal cord injury. He was born on April 9th, 1959 in San Antonio, TX to George and Marjorie Tatum. They resided in Blanco, TX where Donnie shined shoes and set bowling pins to be the first kid in town to buy a ten speed bike. In high school, he was the quarterback for the Blanco JV and varsity football teams. But also play trombone in his uniform during halftime. As he grew older, he worked with his dad and brothers in their BBQ and catfish restaurants. He also worked for several bread companies. In Missoula, Donnie worked for Eddy’s Bread and a couple of restaurants. He ended his working years in the kitchen at St. Pats Hospital.
In 1991, he met the love of his life and his boys loved her too. They got engaged that December. The following spring, Donnie broke his neck which began a new journey for them. In 1993, Donnie married Jolene Strain in Big Sky, MT on July 17th. The couple moved to Missoula in 1994 and had a daughter together in 1995.
Donnie enjoyed everything the Montana outdoors had to offer: fishing, golfing, boating, four wheeling, and spending time at the family cabin. He took pride in a manicured lawn with thriving flowers and plants. He was a huge Griz football fan and loved cooking and grilling for many tailgate friends. He and Jolene also catered many events and parties. Some of Donnie’s other activities were: bowling, playing softball and baseball, team roping, and at one time he even owned 2 white mules and a wagon.
A loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He also found great joy in having a house full of family. He had a great love for animals but nothing as strong as the bond that was shared between he and his service dog, Marty. Donnie and that big, fluffy, silver doodle were the best of friends.
Survivors include, his wife, Jolene Tatum, Missoula, MT: 2 sons and their families, Dustin (Chalena) Tatum, Boise, ID: Travis (Candice) Tatum, Missoula, MT: Kaitlyn Tatum (Lathan Golding), Missoula, MT: 2 brothers, Randall Tatum of Escondido, CA: Glenn (Ann) Tatum, Concord, CA. His pride and joy were his grand children, Sienna, 9, Parker, 8, Sawyer, 4, Jubilee, 3, and Beckham, due August 2017, and his best friend, Marty. Donnie also had many other “kids and grandkids” that were considered family.
Donnie’s faith was private and humble, never boastful or prideful, but strong with hope. He couldn’t wait to play baseball with Jesus.
A celebration of Donnie’s life will be held on Saturday, July 8th, 2017 at 11 AM at Garden City Funeral Home. There will be a lunch reception immediate following.