Wilmer E. Latta
Maj. Wilmer E. Latta, 90, of Kerens, Texas, and formerly of Burket, Ind., and Warsaw, Ind., passed away Thursday, June 27, 2013, in his home surrounded by family. He endured a brave battle against bladder cancer for close to a year.
Wil was born on Dec. 26, 1922, in Burket, to Edwin R. and Rosa Anna (Clabaugh) Latta. Wil attended high school in Warsaw, where he was very active in sports and graduated in 1941. On Jan. 10, 2951, Wil married the love of his life. They were blessed with 62 happy years together.
After graduating, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force on the Pacific Front during World War II from 1942- 1946, the Korean Conflict 1951-1953, and remained in the Air Force Reserves until 1972. He attained the rank of Major.
Wil attended Ball State Teacher’s College receiving his teacher’s degree as well as attaining a Master’s degree. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and the American Legion. He taught math and coached various sports at McKinley Jr. High in Muncie, Collins Middle School and Navarro College. While at McKinley, he was honored for developing an Independent Study Program for math students. In 1973, he moved to Kerens, with his family. He worked on his horse and cattle operations in Indiana and Texas with the help of his wife and children. Wil was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, and was very much loved.
He is survived by his wife; two sons: Brett (Barbara) Latta, Kerens; Bart (Sharon) Latta, Kerens; a daughter: Kim Latta, Kerens; three grandchildren: Megan (Chris) Posey, Kerens; Cpl. Dylan Latta, stationed with the U.S. Army in Alaska; Julie (Brian) Werner, Bentonville, Ark., four great-grandchildren: Alexis Latta, Colton Posey, Mason Werner, Blake Werner; two sisters: Dolores M. Smith, Garden City, Mich.; Phyllis J. Kirkendall, Warsaw; brother-in-law; Harley G. Robison, Oswego, Ind.; and one sister-in-law: Joan Haggard, Losantville, Ind.; a niece; several nephews; and special friend: Bennie Emmons, Grand Prairie, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister: Betty L. Robison.
Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, July 1, at Paschal Funeral Home in Kerens. Pallbearers will be the Air Force Honor Guard. Honorary Pallbearers are Jim Bob Ivey of Kerens and Bennie Emmons. Military Graveside Services at the Kerens City Cemetery are currently pending.
Memorial contributions may be made to Kerens Veterans Memorial Fund c/o KESA, P.O. Box 5, Kerens, TX 75144.