Roger Perry Tatum

Roger Tatum was born October 1, 1941, in Louisville, Kentucky to parents Walter and Grace Tatum along with his identical twin brother, Harry. They lived in Stockbridge, Massachusetts until age 9, then returned to Louisville and found numerous means to create mischief as only identical twin brothers can do. Roger attended the University of Mississippi, graduating in 1962, and then served as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy based in Norfolk, Virginia. These were some of the most significant years of his life, not the least of which because he met Linda LeSueur, whom he married in 1965. Leaving the Navy at the rank of Lieutenant Commander, Roger embarked on a long career in corporate management, first returning to Louisville and ultimately settling in the Chicago area with several stops in between. During this time Roger and Linda raised three children: Roger (II), born in 1969, Jason, born in 1974, and Lauren, born in 1981. He spent the majority of his professional life working for Pepsi Cola General Bottlers, where he ultimately served as Vice President of Operations. While at Pepsi Roger earned an Executive MBA from the University of Chicago in 1991. From 1996-1998, he lived in Warsaw, Poland directing manufacturing in Eastern Europe. Upon his retirement in 2001, Roger had a fulfilling second career teaching Spanish to elementary and middle school classes at St. Francis de Sales School in Lake Zurich, Illinois.

Roger was a kind, generous man who never met a stranger. He had a way of making people from all walks of life feel welcomed and valued. He was a life-long learner who loved hearing about other people and cultures. He enjoyed taking photographs, particularly of wildlife and local parades and had a knack for picking up different languages. He passed along his excellent work ethic and sharp wit to all three of his kids, and they are forever grateful. He was sure to tell everyone he met that he had not only the three greatest kids, but also the three greatest kids-in-law. Roger is greatly missed by all who knew him and is sure to live on in all of their hearts.

Roger is survived by his wife Linda (nee LeSueur); his sons Roger (Ashley Jerath) Tatum, Jason (Julie) Tatum, and his daughter Lauren (James) Sweeney; his grandchildren, Rohan Tatum, Gareth Tatum, Anabel Sweeney, Grace Tatum, Genna Tatum, Owen Sweeney, Mia Tatum, and Nate Tatum; and his twin brother Harry Tatum and his wife Sarah (Charlotte, North Carolina). Roger was preceded in his passing by his brother Walter and sister Beverly.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2025 from 12:00 – 4:00 PM at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 North Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington Heights, IL. The funeral service will follow at 4:00 PM at the funeral home. The committal will be on Monday, October 27, 2025 at All Saints Catholic Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family would love Roger to be honored by donations to one of the following charities: Alley Cat Allies or Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.