Irving Smith Latta

Irving S. "Papa" Latta, 95, a resident of Altoona, Kansas, died Monday, March 26, 2007, at Fredonia Regional Hospital from injuries he sustained in an auto accident. He was born March 6, 1912 in Longdale, Oklahoma, the son of Raymond Cecil and Edna Gertrude (Smith) Latta. He was a graduate of Cedar Vale High School and was trained in the C.C.C. Camp. On July 20, 1939, in Missouri, he married Marguerite Sylvia Hemme. She preceded him in death July 14, 1991. Mr. Latta was a self-employed farmer for most of his life. He also was the Altoona "Water Man" and drove a school bus for the Altoona School District. He served on the Altoona School Board, Altoona City Council and was a member of the Rural Fire Department. His hobbies included gardening, fishing, four-wheeling and raising livestock. His survivors include: Two sons: Joe Ray Latta of Emmett, KS Warren Dale Bruce of Ft. Smith, AR One daughter: Leona Daisy Costin of Altoona, KS One sister: Ada Claire Heinson of Meade, KS 11 Grandchildren; several Great Grandchildren and Great-Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Joe, Quentin and Chauncy Latta; and one sister, Kathleen McClellan. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, March 29, 2007, at the Altoona Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Timmons Funeral Home on Wednesday evening, 4:00 P.M.-6:00 P.M. Friends may also call at the funeral home on Thursday morning, 9:00 A.M.-Noon. A memorial has been established in his name with the ALS Foundation and may be sent to the funeral home.