Alvin Tatman's Obituary
Alvin Lecon Tatman, son of Albert and Dorothy Garrett Tatman, was born November 17, 1942, in Emporia, Kansas. He departed this life Thursday, December 10, 2009, in Gateway Medical Center, in Clarksville, Tennessee, at the age of sixty-seven years, and twenty-four days. On April 4, 1970, he was united in marriage to Janet Sue Sutton, and to this union two daughters were born. His parents preceded him in death. Alvin is survived by his loving wife of thirty-nine years, Janet, of the home; two daughters, Sarah K. Herdman, of Lebanon, Missouri, and Janet Lynn King, and her husband, Greg, of Clarksville, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Luke, Heather, Blake and KateLynne; two great-grandchildren, Samuel and Ashylea; a sister, Ruby Barber, of the State of Arizona; his mother-in-law, Neva Sutton, of Lebanon, Missouri; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was born in Emporia, Kansas and then moved with his family to Lebanon, Missouri, when he was two years old. He attended Lebanon R-III Schools and graduated from Lebanon High School. Al entered the United States Army as a young man and served his country faithfully for twenty years, including two tours in Vietnam during the war. After he and Janet were married in 1970, they made their home in various locations while Al continued to serve in the Army. Alvin was a distinguished pilot, having flown basic aircraft as well as helicopters. He had also been a flight instructor for helicopter pilots, in both the Huey Cobra and the Chinook helicopters. During his career in the military, he earned various medals and awards, including the Master Army Aviator Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal with five Campaign Stars, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. He retired from the United States Army at Fort Campbell, Kentucky on September 30, 1982, and he and Janet then made their home in Clarksville, Tennessee. Later, Al continued to work in the aeronautic field as a supervisor for DynCorp International at Fort Campbell, Kentucky for several years. Al had made his profession of belief in Christ and followed the Baptist faith. In his spare time he enjoyed doing woodworking projects and had made several clocks and other items for his family and friends. He also greatly enjoyed flying throughout his life. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Alvin was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and will remember him as a devoted family man, a dedicated serviceman, and a true patriotic citizen and friend. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday December 14, 2009 at the Holman-Howe Funeral Home. Burial will be in McBride Cemetery. Visitation is Sunday afternoon 4-5:30 p.m. at the funeral home under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home Lebanon, Misso Return to top
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