Henry Tatman, 90

Henry Edsel Tatman "Eddie", 90, of Coles Park, West Portsmouth, passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at SOMC Hospice, Portsmouth, OH. He was born March 24, 1923, Friendship, OH, to the late Willis and Anna (Sowards) Tatman. He was a retired meat cutter for Foodland, West Portsmouth, and was a member of the Church of Christ, Friendship, OH. Along with his parents, Eddie was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Alma (Alsip) Tatman, one brother Orville, and 6 sisters: Pauline, Gladys, Vivian, Marie, Wanda Lee, and Blanche Louise. Eddie is survived by two sons Art (Andy) of Roanoke, VA, and Gene (Janet) of Lucasville, OH, and one daughter Mary "Winnie" Tatman of West Portsmouth, plus two sisters: Lil Book of Stout, and Dee Hinzi (Vaughn) of West Portsmouth; six grandchildren: Chris Bow (Steve), Angie Simmons (Drew), Shawn Tatman (Missy), Brandi Tatman, Shelly Stall (Jason), Tracy Wireman (Eric), plus six great grandchildren: Claudia, Mitchell, Sammy, Ryan, Alysa, and Ashur; and special brother-in-law Ora Alsip (Carol) and sister-in-law Doris Hupp (Jon). After working as a sales clerk for a grocery store in Rushtown, Eddie served in the Army Air Corp, England, during WWII. He worked as an airplane, engine, and propeller mechanic on the B-24 bombers, as well as Guard Patrolman. (During this time period his wife, Alma, worked on the B-29 engines in Cincinnati, OH.) He served in the 576th Bomb Sq. and the 302nd Bomb Group. He received the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct, and others. Battles and campaigns include the Air Offensive Europe, Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes GO 33 WD 45, Rhineland GO 40 WD 45, and Central Europe GO 46 WD 45. After the War he worked as a Section Gang member for the N&W Railroad, plus 35 years as a meat cutter for Schaefers and Foodland. In addition to his lifetime service with the church and his love for family, friends, and neighbors, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, raising hunting dogs, gardening, quilting, crocheting, and his beloved Cincinnati Reds baseball team. He loved family gatherings where he was a big competitor in horseshoes and Aggravation. He had a great passion for building things and working on his house. Funeral services will be at 12 Noon, Saturday, March 15, 2014 at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth with Brother Gary Vaughn officiating. Interment will be in Friendship Cemetery with military graveside rites by James Dickey Post 23 American Legion.. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, and one hour before the service on Saturday. Condolences may be sent to www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com