Jack Frazier Tatum
Jack Frazier Tatum was born in Brownwood, Texas, on May 6,
1942. He was the son of Raymond Lawson Tatum and Margaret
Finney Ross Tatum. An army dependent, Jack lived in Japan,
Germany, France and various U.S. installations during his
childhood. In 1961, he graduated from Colton Union High School
in Colton, California. He immediately entered the United States
Air Force where he served as a crew chief on C-130s. Jack retired
at Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas, in 1982. He earned an
associate degree in business from Cisco Junior College in 1987.
Jack met and married Mary Jane Killebrew, a student at
McMurry College in Abilene, on March 20, 1968. They spent two
years on the island of Okinawa, Naha, before returning to Abilene. They stayed in
Abilene until Jack’s retirement from the United States Postal Service in 2004, when they
moved to Wimberley, Texas. Married for 58 years, Jack and Mary Jane were blessed with
a daughter, Anita Louise (Lucy).
Jack’s interest in masonry included participation in the following organizations: Hobah
Lodge #1394; Heart of Texas York Rite; Waco Scottish Rite; Abilene Commandery #27;
Stamford Commandery #25; Knights Templar; Abilene Chapter & Council; Suez Temple
of San Angelo Shrine; and Wimberley Lodge #1445.
Serving as Grand Master for Hobah Lodge for two years, Jack was selected District
Deputy for the 75th District for Grand Master of Masons, Waco Grand Lodge 1998-
1999. Jack was awarded the Golden Trowel by Wimberley Lodge #1445.
Other organizations included: Charter member of Aldersgate Methodist Men in
Abilene, Texas; Member of Wimberley United Methodist Church in Wimberley, Texas;
Emmaus Men’s Group, and Member of VFW Post 6441 in Wimberley, Texas.
From 2009-2012, Jack served as Commander of VFW Post 6441. He was selected
Patriot of the Year 2012, and July 1st-8th that year was proclaimed Jack Tatum Week.
State Representative Jason Isaac presented him with the State Flag of Texas, which had
been flown over the State Capitol.
Jack volunteered at the Hays County Sheriff’s Office from 2006-2016 where he
received the President’s Volunteer Service Award as well as many other recognitions for
his work.
In addition to these organizations, Jack loved spending time with his family, friends,
pets and animals in general. He enjoyed his church groups and activities, including “The
Chosen” film series. He also loved airplanes, milk and cookies, late night cheese snacks,
watching “Columbo”, eating bbq at the Salt Lick, and losing board games to his daughter
and grandchildren. Jack strongly supported full funding of Texas public education.
Preceded in death by his parents, Jack Tatum passed away on June 19, 2026 at the age
of 84. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Killebrew Tatum, his daughter, Anita Louise
Tatum Jiles, his grandchildren Kelsey and Devin Jiles, and their loving partners, along
with nephews, nieces, and his Maine Coon cat Simon. Jack will be greatly missed.
Memorial donations may be made to any of Jack’s organizations, Wounded Warriors,
or animal rescue, including Rescue the Animals in Abilene, Texas.
