Jack Latimer

Jack Latimer, 82 of Jackson passed away Sunday, April 22, 2007, at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis.

He was born Feb. 2, 1925. in Marston, Mo., son of the late Howard J. and Verba A. Bodine Latimer. He and Jean Pardon were married Nov. 16, 1943. She preceded him in death Aug. 20, 1998.

Jack graduated from Marston High School in 1942, and served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946.

After an honorable discharge, he worked for the Little River Drainage District. He retired from Penzel Construction Co. in Jackson in 1987 after 30 years as a heavy equipment operator. He was a member of Local 513 International Union of Operating Engineers more than 50 years.

He was a 50-year member of Excelsior Lodge 441 in Jackson, and a charter member of Jackson VFW Post 10495 and past district commander. He was a member and past commander of Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158 in Jackson, and volunteered at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

Jack was an active member of Jackson Elks Lodge 2652, a past exalted ruler and former secretary. He was a member of New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson since 1956, serving on various church committees.

Loving survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Stan and Lois Latimer of Jackson; a daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and Jeff Garland of Ocean Springs, Miss.; five grandchildren, Felicia Olstrom, Jessica Latimer, Ashley Jones, Matt Latimer and Ryan Garland.

He was preceded in death by a son, Greg Latimer, in 2003; a daughter, Patricia Hill in 2000; a brother; and a sister.

Friends may call Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson, with an American Legion service at 6:30, followed by a Masonic service and Elks service.

The funeral will be Thursday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. John Rice officiating. Interment will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson with full military honors.

Memorials may be made to Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

Sympathy messages may be sent to the family online at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.