RICHMOND—Sgt. Kenneth Wayne Latham passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Sitter-Barfoot Veteran’s Care Center in Richmond. He was a resident of Northumberland County.
He is survived by a niece, Linda Latham Perkins (Gary) of Christmas Valley, Oregon; and two nephews, William Latham (Linda) of Sachse, Texas, and Michael Latham (Janet) of Cottage Grove, Oregon.
He was predeceased by his parents, Annie Bell Sauls Latham and Harry Latham of Texas; a son, Michael; two brothers Glyn Eugene Latham and William Elbert Latham; and a devoted companion, Nancy Louise Ramer.
Kenny, also known as Charlie, was born May 25, 1932. He joined the military in 1948 and served his country for 12 years and 9 months. He was on active duty in the Korean War. He loved to talk about Sgt. Reckless, a war horse that served with him. He is referenced in the book, Sgt. Reckless: America’s War Horse, and attended book signings with the author. He was a house flipper, Dallas Cowboy fan, lover of animals and a proud Marine.
He was a lifetime member of many organizations including American Legion Post 117 Reedville, Disabled American Veterans, Korean War Veterans Association, Inc., Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, Marine Corps League, and 1st Marine Division Association. He was also a member of Moose Lodge 917 Callao, and the Elks Club of Greater Pine Island, Florida.
Visitation was held from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, at Currie Funeral Home, Kilmarnock. A graveside service is scheduled at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 25, at Quantico National Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250; Partners for Pets, P.O. Box 361 Irvington, Virginia 22480; or Angels without Wings Inc., 1000 Town Center Drive, Suite 300, Oxnard, California 93036.
