Robert Tatum

Robert Tatum was born March 16, 1944 , in Henderson , Texas , to R.T. and Inez Tatum. He served in the US Army from 1962 to 1965, and made a 40 year career as a Shop Owner/ Automobile Mechanic. In August 1976, he married Margarita Tatum and was blessed with three wonderful children. Looking for a fun hobby or past time, Robert began bowling about 34 years ago. He was a long time member of the United Mexican American Bowlers Club and for many years bowled 4-5 nights a week.

Robert was a stellar example of what a true Ambassador for bowling should be. A better sport could not be found. He competed at a high level with quiet dignity and grace. Robert attained near perfect attendance in every league he bowled. His last winter league season, he missed 1 night of bowling for the entire year. Five leagues, 36 weeks each. He missed once, a Friday night, probably to travel to an out of town tournament. In 2004, Robert spent plenty of time trying to convince his friends at the bowling center that he had, in fact, turned 60 years old. He was so proud of reaching that milestone, and yet, his youthful appearance belied his true age.

While great mention is made of Robert’s sportsmanship and good nature, he was not without an impressive list of accomplishments, averaging 200-210+ for many years. He bowled 7- 300 games, 2- 298 games, 5- 11-in-a- rows and earned multiple awards for 75 pins over average games and 125, 140 and 150 pins over average series awards while scoring many 700 series, just missing out on his 800 with a 780 best series. He bowled a triplicate (3 identical games in a series) and made at least 1- “Big 4” split.

Robert passed away on October 22, 2006 after a battle with esophageal cancer. Robert is survived by his wife, Margarita, three children, Mark Ramirez, Terri Tatum and Rodney Tatum; two step children, John Ramirez and Lisa Ramirez; and one son from a prior marriage, Robert Tatum Jr. He also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and a huge fan club of friends and family.

It may seem as if we have been trying to portray Robert as an “every man” or “Average Joe Bowler”, but, with his long time support of Pasadena bowling; leagues and tournaments, coupled with a constant display of good sportsmanship whether his team was winning or losing, and regardless of the fact if he was personally scoring well or struggling, factored in with his career achievements, it clearly defines a bowler that was well above “average” and more than deserving of this recognition. We are proud to honor Robert Tatum’s memory and legacy with posthumous induction into the Pasadena Bowling Hall of Fame.