Leonard Latham

Funeral services for Leonard Latham, 78, of Lufkin, will be held Monday, January 14, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the Denman Avenue Baptist Church with Reverend Horace Fletcher officiating.

Mr. Latham was born December 22, 1934 in Forest, Cherokee County, Texas to the late Pearl (Ramsey) and Albert Latham. He died Friday, January 11, 2013.

Mr. Latham was the retired Police Chief of the Lufkin Police Department, following 30 years of service. He also served as interim Sheriff for Angelina County. He was a member of Lufkin Masonic Lodge #669, A.F. & A.M.

Leonard and Jeanie traveled the U.S.A. from ""sea to shining sea."" Those often traveling with them were Tip and Sue Phillips, Robert and Pauline Chapmon, Spanky and Glenda Gipson, and Gerry and Carolyn Griffith. Leonard enjoyed fishing and hunting, and went on many trips to Colorado hunting and as far as Alaska fishing. He caught many catfish, and did his share of bragging. Later in life, his favorite hobbies were his grandkids. He loved teaching them to fish, run the boat motor, churn butter, and work in the garden. With his grandkids or anyone else he met, he always had plenty of advice.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Jeanie; daughter and son-in-law, Luz and Donnie Carver; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Daryl Latham; grandchildren, Lacey, Ben and Laurie Carver, Sidney, Riley and Makenzey Latham; sisters and brothers-in-law, Carol and Charles Flowers, Maxine and A.C. Moninger, and Charlotte and Charles Ruby; brother-in-law, Robert Chapmon; and very special friend, Gerry Griffith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Pearl Latham; parents-in-law, Guy and Alma Chapman; brothers-in-law, Morris Chapman and Kenneth Petty; sister-in-law, Pauline Chapmon; and special friends, Tip Phillips, Spanky Gipson, Buddy Ogden, Coyt Hight and Carolyn Griffith.

Pallbearers will be Ben Carver, Ken Petty, Colton Mason, Randy Petty, Ben Vaughan, Sam Anderson, Joe Hodges and Allen Loggins, Jr.

Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Chapmon, Dewey Chapmon, David Walker, Gerald Goodwin, Paul Pruitt, Aubrey Luce, Bill Philmon, Walter Ferguson, Jackie Harrison and Charles Flowers.

Special guests will be retired and current Lufkin Police Department officers and retired and current Angelina County Sheriff deputies.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Hope Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 901, Wells, Texas 75976 or to Hospice in the Pines, 1504 West Frank Ave., Lufkin, Texas 75904.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones at Denman Avenue Baptist Church from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Monday morning prior to the funeral service.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors