Warren Robert Tatum 78, of Sand Springs went home to his heavenly Father on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, with his loving family at his bedside.

Visitation will be held at Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service on Thursday, November 16, 2023, from 12 noon to 7 pm, with the family receiving friends from 5 to 7 pm.

The funeral service will be Friday, November 17, 2023, beginning at 11 am in Sand Springs First Church of the Nazarene.

Warren was born on May 10, 1945, to Kenneth Luke and Davina Barbara (Shortland) Tatum in Bangalore, India while his father was stationed there with the US Army.

He joined the US Air Force on July 2, 1963, serving as an Air Policeman, earning awards for Expert Marksman Small Arms, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Outstanding Unit Award, and was honorably separated on June 30, 1967, as an Airman First Class (E-4). He was stationed at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas where both of his children were born. During that time, he was deployed to Thailand for 6 months in 1965. Warren was very proud of having served his country.

He married the love of his life, Linda Hope Porter on September 22, 1964, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. They met in 8th and 9th grade when Warren and his friends crashed Linda's slumber party. As soon as Warren saw her, he said to his friends "I get the girl in the red sweater." From there, they dated through high school and have been inseparable since.

After leaving the Air Force, Warren worked in oilfield supply at Conrad and Grant Supply for many years until he, Bob Westfield, Rick Young, and three others formed Industrial Piping Specialists in 1986. Warren worked at IPS as the Product Manager of Fitting and Flanges for over 37 years, even until the final month of his life. He was recognized as an industry leader in his knowledge of flanges and fittings. He helped IPS grow to over 300 employees with 17 locations. He developed key relationships with customers and vendors, which IPS will forever benefit. Most importantly, Warren loved his co-workers and assisted many of them in the development of their careers.

Warren and Linda were saved in their home at midnight on March 4, 1974. They joined Sand Springs First Church of the Nazarene on April 14, 1974, and served faithfully for 49 years. Warren was a Sunday school teacher for over 46 years. He was a choir member, sang in the quartet, bus ministry, and served on the church board and many other committees. His love for the Lord was so great that if the church doors were open, he was there. The Northeastern District awarded him for not missing a single service for over 15 years. Warren was a very giving and generous man to his family, church, missionaries, friends, and even strangers. Always looking to serve in any way he could.

Next to his service to God was the love of his country and family. The Fourth of July was his favorite holiday in which he provided his family with wonderful firework displays, requiring weeks of planning and effort on his and his sons' part. Warren enjoyed gardening, was a die-hard fan of OU football, loved old movies, and was a military historian of the American wars.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Linda; his sons, Kenneth Tatum, Dr. Terry Tatum; brother, Michael and his wife Sharon Tatum; sister, Janis Magruder; three grandchildren, Zachary Tatum, Kaylee Tatum, Tucker Tatum, and other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests giving to the Wounded Warrior Project at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org