Frank Jennings Tatman

Frank Jennings Tatman, of Felton, Delaware, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in the company of his two beloved daughters. Born in Collingswood, New Jersey, to Gilbert and Finvola (née Retallack) Tatman, Frank was raised in Norfolk, Virginia, alongside his sister, Finvola “Mary,” and brother, Alfred. Frank graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering before commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. He proudly served as an Army artillery officer during the Korean War before transitioning to the U.S. Air Force. He continued serving his country throughout his career as a federal civil servant with the Department of the Navy. Frank married Marilyn Deiotte, with whom he shared many wonderful years and raised four beloved children. Following her passing, he later married Dorothy Miller, with whom he continued to build a life filled with love, laughter, and family. From a young age, Frank led a rich and fulfilling life. He was immensely proud of his involvement with the Boy Scouts of America, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. An avid golfer, he volunteered as a caddy for the Ladies Professional Golf Association. He was a longtime member of the Elks Club and a voracious reader whose personal library could rival that of a small town’s. Frank also loved to travel, exploring both the United States and abroad, and especially enjoyed trips shared with family. His faith was the foundation of his life and he was devoted to serving his Presbyterian Church. Above all, Frank was most proud to be a father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, cherishing time spent with his four children, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Frank was predeceased by his wives, Marilyn Deiotte Tatman and Dorothy Miller Tatman, as well as his sister, Finvola “Mary” Tatman, and his brother, Alfred Tatman. He is survived by his children: Gary Tatman and his wife, Lisa, of Glen Burnie, Maryland; Leslie Siebold, of Chester, Maryland; John Tatman, of West Palm Beach, Florida; and Linda Connor, of Felton, Delaware. He is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Kyle Knight and his wife, Kaylie, and their children, Hazel and Connor, of Mt. Airy, Maryland; James Siebold and his wife, Suzanne, and their children, Charlee, Layne, and Sawyer, of Bayboro, North Carolina; Thomas Connor, of Washington, D.C.; and Samuel Siebold, of Chester, Maryland. Calling hours and a memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 29, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home in Chester, Maryland. Interment with full military honors will take place at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in memory of Frank be made to the Children’s Cancer Cause:1325 G Street NW Washington, DC 20005 https://www.childrenscancercause.org/give?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1025228780&gbraid=0AAAAADHhkyJR1nDVhAKwvOviHYqIXavtJ&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIka2Z2eqykAMV30hHAR1eETtUEAAYASABEgJ4gvD_BwE

Frank Jennings Tatman

February 11, 1929 - October 15, 2025