Craig Allan Tatton

On Monday, February 19, 2018, Craig Allan Tatton, of Kent, completed his earthly mission. His grace-filled, beautiful spirit and loving heart were ours for a time that seems all too brief, and his loss was quite unexpected. The truth is that his light simply became too bright, too beautiful, to be contained in earthly form. His radiance will now illuminate the world forevermore.
Craig was born on February 25, 1959, the second of five children, to Robert D. and Elizabeth (Seech) Tatton, in Akron. He grew up in Cuyahoga Falls, attended St. Joseph School and graduated from Walsh Jesuit High School in 1977. He also attended the University of Akron.
Preceded in death by his father and grandparents, Craig was deeply loved and will be forever missed by his wife, Kathy Baker, whom he married on June 14, 2008; his mother; siblings: Mark Tatton, Brian (Robin Foster) Tatton, Regina Tatton and David Tatton; children, Keith Tatton and Kristina Movens, whom he lovingly adopted during his marriage to their mother, Debra; Keith and Kristina's four daughters; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Craig is also survived by Kathy's children, who welcomed him into the family with open arms: Jay Kline, Michael Kline, Kerry Kline (Paul Velazco), and Andrew Baker; Kerry & Paul's daughter, Gianna, who adored and was adored by her "G-Pa;" close friends Carol Bailey Floyd and Tom and Rani Cargo.
An avid athlete, Craig played football, baseball and wrestling in both grade school and high school. In grade school, he was also on the track team, where he excelled at shot put. He was very proud to be part of the legendary, undefeated football team at Walsh in his senior year, and would want you to know that only three points were scored against Walsh that entire season.
Craig enjoyed a long career in information technology; for the past six years, as a telecom analyst at Allied Industrial Technologies in Cleveland, and previously for many years at National City Bank in Akron.
His recently completed "man cave" is a shrine to all things Craig loved, especially baseball, which is represented by his cherished mitt and giant posters of his favorite baseball movies. His djembe drum and Native American flute decorate the room too, along with his collection of Civil War history books, elephants, his "LAUGH" sign and his framed copy of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" poster. His marital contract with Kathy required him to become a Cleveland Cavaliers fan, an obligation he embraced enthusiastically.
The hallmarks of Craig's life were gentleness, humor, courage and kindness to all. Anyone who knew him would tell you of his generosity. In all facets of life, he was happiest when serving others. This was evident in his devotion to God, his family and friends, his work, involvement in his church, Unity Chapel of Light, volunteer work with, among others, Akron-Canton Foodbank, and participation in the annual AAIC Walk for Hunger. Not surprisingly, even in death, he was generous, donating the gift of life to others through Life Banc.
A memorial celebration of Craig's life will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Unity Chapel of Light, 503 Northwest Avenue, Tallmadge. Calling hours from 9:30AM till service begins at 11:00AM; reception to follow. Condolences may be sent to the family c/o the church. Memorials in Craig's memory to Unity Chapel of Light or to Coleman Professional Services, 5982 Rhodes Road, Kent OH 44240, would be appreciated. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7.