Emmitt Jay Tatum

It is with great sorrow to announce that Emmitt Jay Tatum passed away on April 21, 2026. Emmitt was born January 17th 2001 in Moses Lake where he was raised. He is survived by his mother Amber Tracy and father Brandon Tatum, brother Zeb, sister Bethany, wife Zoe, grandparents Doug and Betty Tatum, and Lewis and Kathy Mason, along with a large extended family. When welcoming Emmitt into the world we knew he was going to be an amazing young man. With his calm, steady, kind, humble and fun demeanor that he carried with him. Emmitt had a gift of not having to say a word, his honest smiling eyes and smirk told us everything we needed to know. He was truly an old soul, a friend to all, and a natural born athlete. In his younger years if he wasn’t goofing off with his little sister he was outside either throwing, catching, hitting a ball or shooting hoops and excelled while doing so. Emmitt enjoyed spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, playing cards and cribbage. Traveling and learning as he went, always up to try something new. He acknowledged loyalty and appreciated genuine relationships that were made throughout his life. He respected all competition, and appreciated constructive criticism while staying humble which defined his character and made him even a greater young man. At the age of 11 Emmitt quickly moved up and began playing select baseball. He played for the River Sharks, then River Dogs in his teenage years. During that time he made unforgettable memories with his family, his teammates and with all of our baseball family. With his love for the game, his athletic talent, coachable manner and dedication he traveled the country playing baseball with and against the rest of the best. He was able to experience so much at a young age and genuinely appreciated all lessons learned and the bonds he made. Emmitt then went on to play varsity baseball for the Moses Lake Chiefs and earned himself the Title as a Baseball State Champion his senior year in 2019. He then hung up his glove feeling satisfied in accomplishing exactly what he started out to do. He always knew he was a Champion and worked hard to prove it. Emmitt then went on to attend Big Bend Community College, enrolled in the Electrical program- until the whole country paused when Covid-19 hit. Shortly after in July of 2021, Emmitt, was diagnosed with the devastating news that he had terminal brain cancer. At the young age of 20 Emmitt then started a new battle, one he wasn’t sure he could win. He then joined a team of elite neurologists and surgeons at the University of Washington (TheGreenTeam) and later at Seattle Children’s Hospital. After his diagnosis he underwent a craniotomy, chemo therapy and proton therapy. Emmitt had an amazing recovery, and went on living his life to the fullest and continuing to do the things he loved. Shortly after returning home in 2022 he started work at Polhamus Heating and Air. He enjoyed working and took pride in everything he did as a young adult. In or around that same time a sweet girl named Zoe, came into his life. From then on they fell in love and began building a life together, they married in 2025. But if there was any other place he’d like to be besides at home snuggling up with Zoe and their dogs, watching ball or just chilling with family and friends, Emmitt wanted to be on the course playing golf with his grandfather. But in these last few months the cancer began growing again, more rapidly and was non responsive to any of the treatments there were. Emmitt fought valiantly and played the course all the way through, with strength and honor. He was a true warrior. Emmitt passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones. He was a loving son, brother, grandson, husband, nephew, cousin, uncle and friend. A limb has fallen off our family tree, but we as Emmitts’ family and close friends will honor and hold a piece of him with us for the rest of our lives. He will be cherished and missed dearly. There will be a celebration of life to honor Emmitt at Pillar Rock, Saturday May 23rd, at 2pm in Moses Lake. Please join us to share your stories and spread the love we all have for this fine young man, Emmitt Tatum, aka E.T. In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests that donations be made in his name to be given to the Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation, 1022 S. Pioneer Way, Suite A, Moses Lake, WA 98837. For any questions contact angel@columbiabasincancerfoundation.org, or call the office at 509-764-4644. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.

Emmitt Jay Tatum

January 17, 2001 - April 21, 2026