Joe K. Latham

Joe K. Latham, 84, of New Castle passed away Friday, January 27, 2017 at Heritage House of New Castle. He was born January 13, 1933 in Cartwright, Kentucky to the late Sam and Louise (Bertram) Latham.

Joe was owner/mechanic of Latham’s Transmission in New Castle for over 30 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in Korea. A sergeant first class with the 73rd tank battalion, he was a tank commander. Joe was a Master Mason with the Greensboro Masonic Lodge and served as past president of the New Castle Breakfast Optimist Club. During his term as president, he was instrumental in implementing the “Looking Up with Pride” giant flag program which still flies at the intersection of state roads 3 and 38. He was awarded “Optimist of the Year” in 1984.

Joe was a member of First United Methodist Church in New Castle where he served in the choir and taught Sunday school for the junior high dept. He was active with the United Methodist Men and served on the board of directors for First Nighters Civic Theater in New Castle. An avid coin and watch collector, Joe belonged to the Indianapolis Chapter of Watch and Clock Collectors. He was a devoted animal lover and volunteered for the Henry County Humane Society as a driver. He was also an avid bicyclist.

Survivors include a son: Jeffery (Nevali) Latham of New Castle; a daughter: Lisa (Brad) Garvin of New Castle; two brothers: Darrell (Agnes) Latham of Lafayette and Duane (Jo) Latham of Heath, TX; a sister: Joyce Jones of New Concorde, MA; step-sons: Mark (Wanda) Wright of Ft. Wayne, Tony (Cheryl) Wright of New Castle and Curtis (Debi) Wright of Vicksburg, MI; grandchildren: Nathanial Latham, Joe, Lily and Ella Garvin, step-grandchildren: Rachel (Matt) Morgan, Nathan (Shannon) Wright, Matt (Amy) Wright, Amanda (Zac) Jones, Daniel (Kelsey) Wright, Jordan (Nicole) Wright, Nicholas and Gabriella Wright; fourteen great-grandchildren and a host of extended family members and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, T. Ruth Latham; brother: Donald Latham; step-mother: Lillie Latham and great aunt: Minnie McWhorter.

The family would like to thank Fernn Melton as well as the staff of Heritage House for the wonderful care they gave to Joe.

Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle with Rev. Tom McGilliard officiating. Burial will follow in Hillsboro Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday, January 30 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be given to the Henry County Humane Society, 11 Midway Dr. New Castle, IN 47362 or First United Methodist Church, 324 Church St. New Castle, IN 47362. Condolences and memories of Joe may be shared at www.hinsey-brown.com .