William Garland Latham

William Garland Latham of Montrose, Colorado went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October, 23, 2024 at the age of 81.

Garland was born on June 24, 1943 to Otis and Verda Latham in Artesia, New Mexico where he lived until he was age eight. He and his family then moved to Grand Junction, Colorado where he started attending Riverside Elementary school and it was there, he first met Rita Rae Castle, who would become the love of his life. They later became neighbors and grew up together. His Junior year, 1960, he took Rita on their first date to the Chief Drive-In movie theatre.

Garland and Rita were united in marriage on October 24, 1962 at the Assembly of God Church in Grand Junction, Colorado. They lived in several places around the Western Slope. In 1964 they were blessed with their first son, Troy and their second son, Greg was born in 1967. While living in Ellensburg, Washington it was there they had their daughter, Traci, in 1971. They returned to Colorado in 1977 and raised their family in Collbran. 

Throughout Garland's life, he had many occupations but only a few he really made his passion. With welding being his biggest passion he created a cannon to be used during the Plateau Valley football games for touchdown celebrations. The cannon is legendary and still talked about to this day. He had a brilliant mind and loved working on the next big invention to make the world a better place. 

Everyone that knew Garland loved him and knew how much he loved the Lord. He was a light to everyone he visited with and enjoyed sharing the Gospel of Jesus with them.

Dad, we know you are Home and finally heard the words you've longed to hear "Welcome home thou good and faithful servant."

Garland is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rita "Reed" Castle Latham. His children Troy (Karen) Latham of Delta, Colorado; Greg (Lori) Latham of Fruita, Colorado; Traci (Kenny) Douglas of Montrose, Colorado. Grandchildren, Katelyn (Levi) Noles, Cody Latham, Logan (Kiley) Douglas and Kersi Latham. Great Grandchildren Dayton and Saylor Noles; Brynlee and Laykyn Douglas. Also his two sister-in-laws, brother-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Otis and Verda Latham, sister Charlotte Morey, brother Dale Latham, sister-in-law Judy Latham, brother-in-law Jerry Rew, sister-in-law Glenda Charlesworth, niece Becki Smith and nephew Joshua Rew. 

His Celebration of Life will be held at Crossroads Church in Montrose Colorado on November 16th at 11am. Arrangements are in the care of Crippin Funeral Home and Crematory, Montrose, Colorado.