Obiutary for Jerry Lathers

Jerry Bryan Lathers of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died Sunday evening, July 20, 2014, in the Blackwell Regional Hospital at the age of 77 years.

Jerry Bryan Lathers was born on March 14, 1937, in Caldwell, Kansas, to Elmer Fred and Mary Birdell (Horn) Lathers. He grew up in northern Oklahoma and southern Kansas where he attended various schools. Following his education he began working in the oilfields and married Loretta Kay Forbeck on June 1, 1956, in Newkirk, Oklahoma. They later moved to Blackwell where he worked for the Blackwell Zinc Company for a short time before joining the Blackwell Fire Department and working for Pam Hardware. In 1967 they moved to South Haven, Kansas, and he began a farming operation and working as the custodian for the South Haven Public Schools. He continued farming until the mid-1990’s when he retired. In 2009 he returned to Blackwell to make his home. He was a member of the First Christian Church in South Haven. He enjoyed fishing and hunting. He loved to spend time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by two sons, Curtis Lathers of Newkirk and Kevin Lathers of South Haven; a sister, Dixie Lee Mowbray of South Haven; two brothers, Freddy Jo Lathers of South Haven and Ted Lathers of Arkansas City; four grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 25th in the Hope Cemetery, 4135 312th Rd. in Arkansas City, Kansas, with Rev. Darren Williams of the South Haven First Christian Church officiating.

A memorial has been established in his honor with the South Haven Community Building in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.

Family visitation is scheduled from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home on Tuesday evening, July 22nd.