Obituary of Gerald Latham

Funeral services for Gerald Raymond Latham, age 92, of Sulphur Springs will be conducted at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at the Spence Chapel at First Baptist Church with Rev. Mark Bryant and Rev. Fred Lewis officiating. Military Graveside Honors by the Hopkins County Coalition will follow at Stouts Creek Cemetery with Clint Brown, Jonathan Gold, Joshua Spedowski, Jonathan Spedowski, Jesse Norris and Robert Carpenter serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Carter and Jared Gold. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, June 17,2013 at West Oaks Funeral Home. Mr. Latham passed away Saturday, June 15, 2013 at his residence. Mr. Latham was born on April 20, 1921 in Mt. Grove, MO, the son of H. U. and Ella (Wilson) Latham. He married Virginia Clements on June 12, 1940 in Ozark, MO. She preceded him in death. Mr. Latham retired from the United States Air Force after 25 years. He served during WWII and during the Korean Conflict. He also retired after 15 years from the United States Postal Service. He and his wife Virginia were Child Evangelest Fellowship Directors in Tyler. He was a member of First Baptist Church and sang in the Silvertone Choir. He also assisted with the nursing home ministry at First Baptist Church. Mr. Latham was an Eagle Scout. He is survived by 2 sons, Jerry Raymond Latham and Larry Dean Latham both of Sulphur Springs, daughters, Judith Lee Brown of Sulphur Springs, Shirley Ann Insley of California and Donna Sue Johnson of Montanta, 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. In addition to his wife he was preceded in death by his parents, 4 brothers and 3 sisters. Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home. www.westoaksfuneralhome.com