Jerry Raymond Latham

Jerry Raymond Latham, Our Daddy, aged 78, passed away peacefully at his home on
Thursday, January 13, 2022, from a prolonged illness. Jerry was born October 16,
1943, in Springfield, Missouri. He was the 2 nd of 5 children born to Gerald Raymond
Latham and Virginia Clements Latham, who preceded him in death. He enlisted in the
United States Air Force in May of 1960 where he served on the crash rescue team as a
Staff Sergeant. He then served as a Technical Sergeant Instructor for his remaining
years. He retired from his service in 1980. After his service in the Military, he attended
the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service where he received his Associate of Funeral
Service in Science and Arts and was a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in the
State of Texas.
Our Daddy loved to fish, camp, travel and enjoyed living a nomadic lifestyle. He often
told us stories of living in Thailand, being kicked out of Canada and living in a naturalist
community which brought us much laughter. We loved hearing his entertaining stories.
He is survived by his daughters, Debbie Thompson and partner Brady Garrett of
Hallsville, Melissa Norris and husband Tony Norris of Gilmer, Rebbecca Oliver of
Livingston and his Grandchildren; Samantha Penland and husband Ryan, Rachel
Morgan and husband Austin, Jesse Norris, Paige Norris and husband Ryan, Wade
Thompson and wife Chelsey, Joshua Spedowski, Matthew Dorsey and wife Cassandra,
Jonathan Spedowski, Bailey Thompson and partner Kayla Luna, Alison Stembridge,
Jenna Oliver; 19 Great Grandchildren, Sisters; Judy Brown of Sulphur Springs, Donna
Johnson and husband Bob of Montana and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives
and friends.
Our Daddy, Jerry Latham, is preceded in death by his parents, 1 sister, 1 brother and 1
daughter.
Even though he is gone, his funny stories and his sweet spirit will always live on in our
memories. There was a private family gathering at his home preceding his cremation
by Croley Funeral Home of Gladewater.