Oh what a day August 10, 1933 must have been for Grover Hebron Tatom and Mother to be Myrtle Williams Tatom as their first child was born. John Henry Tatom came into this world in Mannsville, Oklahoma and grew up in southern Oklahoma. One baby sister followed and naturally that’s what he called Rhoda, “Baby Sister.” She pre-deceased him in 2012 when she was struggling with her own medical issues and he was faithfully by her side through it all. How many family, friends and patients would be touched by his warm and caring method of sharing the Gospel and meeting medical needs for a lifetime? I’m sure we will never know, but we do know he was a good and faithful servant of our Lord with a heart that was never ceasing to work toward the goals set before him.

Graduating from the University of Oklahoma as a Physician and Surgeon, Dr. John soon headed to Vietnam to serve his country in the medical field. As a Captain, he traveled overseas before he was Honorably discharged from the U.S. Army when his duty was completed.

Through the Southern Baptist Mission Board, Dr. Tatom served as a surgeon in hospitals in Thailand and Indonesia for many years and was beloved by many as he was committed to the people and meeting their needs.

He practiced medicine in Missouri, Texas and Oklahoma thereafter. Never resting, but rather a man of action, Dr Tatom spent his next 43 years as a surgeon and in family practice at Arbuckle Memorial Hospital and his clinic in Sulphur. Dr. John was most fond of the Arbuckle Mountains and the wonderful people. He never wanted to leave his patients and the many friends he found in this beautiful place but the last 3 months of his life he took off for Texas to slow down and retire.

No one would believe he could slow down but he genuinely tried to rest and enjoy long naps in Texas. On Sunday afternoon, Father’s Day, our Heavenly Father called him home and he was able to celebrate with the loved ones who arrived in Heaven before he found his way home to his Final destination.

The many friends, patients, and family he left behind will miss him. Most especially his nieces Cora Moore, of Mineral Wells, Texas and Mary Ellen and Jody Goldsberry of Burleson, Texas.

Likely the Lord greeted him with open arms and a welcome for this good and faithful servant. Since he is an all knowing God he likely had already put Dr.’s favorite vegan meal together. We will all remember your tenacity and love for your fellowman.

Services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Friday, June 26 at the Calvary Baptist Church in Sulphur. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday in Mineral Wells, Texas Staggs Prairie, 3414 FM 1821, Mineral Wells, Texas, near and north of intersection of FM 1821 and Shattles Road.