Obituary of Stewart Meacham Tatem

Stewart Meacham Tatem - "served the Lord with gladness" Eastford- Stewart Meacham Tatem, age 91, went to his home in heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ, Friday, January 10, 2014 He is now free from Alzheimer's disease. Stewart Meacham Tatem was born March 31, 1922, to Harry and Floy (Meacham) Tatem. He was the younger brother of Olive Tatem Walker and John McNeil Tatem. He graduated from New Hampton School, New Hampton, NH, after which he attended Antioch College, Yellow Springs, OH for 2 years, ceasing his studies in order to join the Army Air Corps during WW II. He was a lifelong resident of Eastford, CT. He married Gladys L. Ettell in 1942. He joined the Army Air Corps in 1944 and served as a radio instructor. After being discharged Stewart returned to Eastford to help run the family woodworking business, started by his great grandfather in 1864. Stewart worked in the mill and eventually became president of Tatem Manufacturing Co. Stewart lived his life for the Lord Jesus Christ. In the Congregational Church of Eastford, as a member for most of his life, he served on many committees, led high school youth groups and sang in the choir from an early age. He was also a 'lay preacher' for several churches over the years. Stewart was one of the last remaining charter member of the "Eastford Independent Fire Company Number One" established in 1942. He was a member of the "Gideons, International" for 66 years. In the 1960's he was on the "Conservative Congregational Christian Conference" national board and continued as a lifetime member. Stewart served on the advisory board for "Hartford National"/"Connecticut National"/"Shawmut Bank" for many years. Stewart served as Probate Judge for the town of Eastford for 33 years. Stewart became a Registered Professional Engineer in June 1979. In the 1980's the Crystal Pond Association was organized by Stewart. Stewart had many different interests that include skiing (snow and water), skating, flying his "Piper Cub" airplane, kite flying, traveling, and sailing. Spending winters in Maui, HI was a favorite part of Stewart and Gladys' retirement. Stewart leaves his son Dick and wife Judi Tatem of West Unity, NH, son David and wife Kris Tatem of Hartford, WI; and daughter Beverly and husband Bruce Lindemann of Eastford, CT. He also leaves 9 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 63 years, Gladys, January 18, 2006. A service of celebration will be held at the Congregational Church of Eastford on Saturday, January 18 at 2:00 PM. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Congregational Church of Eastford, PO Box 177, Eastford, CT 06242. To share a memory with his family, "Light a Candle" at www.smithandwalkerfh.com