Jean and Dave Tatum met 56 years ago in their high school current events class at Frankfort High School, Frankfort, Indiana. As a couple, they attended the prom that year and began their life together.
In 1965, they both enrolled at Ball State University. They married in their sophomore year and resided in an apartment located in an old house at the corner of Dicks Street and University Avenue. Dave majored in Biology and Chemistry, working toward a teaching degree. Jean began studies in Elementary Education but soon realized a career in the medical field would be more fulfilling. Jean changed her major to Medical Technology.
During their years at BSU, Dave worked summers for the Norfolk & Western Railroad, traveling and working in many towns and cities throughout Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio. Jean worked in the Registrar’s 0ffice at BSU. They have happy memories of those years.
After graduation there were many opportunities for employment. After multiple interviews they decided on jobs in Kankakee, Illinois. Dave taught at the high school and community college. He also was the athletic trainer for the high school sports teams. Jean worked at one of the local hospitals. All three of their children were born in Kankakee: Amy in 1971, Joe in 1973, and Marc in 1975.
During the years in Kankakee, Dave decided to obtain his Masters degree. He enrolled at University of Arizona and spent summers there studying. Jean remained in Kankakee, working and caring for the kids. In September of 1975, Dave returned to school in Muncie to obtain certification as a Medical Technologist, a 12-month program. Dave came home on week-ends, and Jean continued to work in Kankakee (with the help of a live-in nanny). Their third child was born at the end of that year. Those 12 months were extremely challenging for them, but worth the sacrifices made.
After completion of another degree, Dave accepted a position at Kettering Medical Center in Kettering, Ohio. Jean also obtained part-time employment there. Both worked in the Medical Technology school, teaching and authoring self-instructional teaching material. Jean also worked in the Transfusion Service at the hospital in the evenings.
Their return to Indiana and to Indianapolis was in late 1979. Dave obtained employment at Eli Lilly working in Toxicology at their Greenfield location. Jean began working at Community East Hospital in 1980. They also joined Allisonville Christian Church that year, but drifted away after several years.
They spent the next 20 years raising their children, working hard to advance in their careers, enjoying life together, but, of course, encountering the challenges of life.
After their children left the nest, they found themselves looking for ways to give back to others. Their lives were filled with many blessings, but they felt the need to join others looking for opportunities to reach out to their community. They began searching for a church that had an active mission team. They visited several area churches. Into their search, they decided to return to ACC and see what it now had to offer. The first Sunday, they walked in the door and were met by the greeters and their old friends, Don Burrell and Linda Belding. It was like they had never left. Dave and Jean will never forget their welcoming presence that day.
The Tatums returned to Allisonville at the same time Pastor Diane Spleth began her ministry at ACC. Pastor Diane encouraged them to pursue their quest for a church family. She also guided them in the areas of service they were pursuing. Over the years, they have treasured their involvement with the Outreach Ministry, Shalom Zone, Green Chalice Team, and many other outreach activities of their church. They were so blessed to have been reunited with the ACC family and are grateful to be a part of this faith community.
They now are enjoying their retirement years and the five grandchildren they have. As those with grandchildren know, this is an immeasurable joy that their children have given them. All of their children and grandchildren are located in Indianapolis, another gift for them.
