Gary R. Tatman (88) passed away on December 12, 2023. He was born
1935, in the old Wilmington Memorial Hospital, and lived in Chesapeake City MD for 30 years, before moving to Newark. He graduated in 1953 from High School as Valedictorian of his class. Gary learned to play the piano and the organ and was the church organist for the Chesapeake City Trinity Methodist Church for about ten years. He joined the Delaware Air National Guard in 1954 where he was hired into a full-time position and served until retiring in 1991.

While serving in the Air Guard he received many accolades and awards including the A.F. Commendation Medal and the coveted A.F. Meritorious Service Medal. He eventually became the enlisted Personnel Manager and achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.

Gary was also employed as the organist at the Merryland Roller Skating Rink in Glasgow, Delaware, from 1959 until the closing of the rink in April 1988. He managed to work both jobs (one was his “day” job, the other his “night” job) for 29 years.

He was an outgoing, likeable guy with a great sense of humor and could find the funny side in almost any situation. He made friends easily and was loved by many. Gary loved hiking, biking, and being outdoors. He enjoyed all kinds of music and his favorite hobby was playing his Roland organ. Most of all he enjoyed the company of his many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Madaline and Charles Tatman, by his brother, Bruce J Tatman, and by his sister, Joyce Tatman Moran Schafer, and by his long-time friend and companion, Betty Reese. He is survived by his sister-in-law Linda Tatman, a niece and nephew Elaine and Troy Tatman, and Cooper and Sophie Tatman, and by many friends, including Jason, Christine, Tom, Kathy, Vic, Fay, and many cousins.
A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM followed by a service at 11:00 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church – 450 3^rd Street, Chesapeake City, MD. Burial will be in Bethel Cemetery,