of Pangburn, AR

April 11, 1944 - July 21, 2023

Lanny "Joe" Latimer, 79, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 21, 2023. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Esker and Rena Carlton (Greer) Latimer and one daughter, Kimberly Jo Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 55 happy years, Katie (Lindsey) Latimer; two daughters, Chandra Denison (Michael) and Catherine Benton (Andy); six grandchildren who called him Papa, Caitlyn Denison Pratt (Dylan), Hunter Denison (Jamie), Lexie Howard, Matthew Smith, Madison Simmons and Joe Andrew Benton; one great-grandchild, Alice Copus; three siblings, Bob Latimer (Jean), Kay Dhoriety and Debbie Turley; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Joe was born in Searcy on April 11, 1944. He graduated from Searcy High School in 1962 and attended Arkansas State Teacher's College (now UCA) for two years. He met the love of his life, Katie, in 1964. Soon after, he was drafted for military service with the United States Army and for a time was stationed in Korea before coming home to marry Katie and start a family. He was proud of his service to our country.

Joe worked for Arkansas Power & Light (now Entergy) for many years as a heavy equipment operator. After moving some with his job, he and Katie eventually settled in the McRae area, where they lived until just recently. Joe was a member of the McRae Church of Christ and was faithful in his spiritual walk until God called him home. He made sure that God was in the center of his life and home.

Joe considered his family to be his biggest priority and his greatest achievement. He loved going to school events or watching sports that his girls, grandkids or other family members were involved in. He could tell stories like no one else and was always the life of any family gathering. He remained close with his brother and sisters and they were so very important to him. The memory of his deep laughter will always bring joy to those who knew him.

Joe loved listening to music, particularly the Eagles. He was a collector of sports memorabilia, especially baseball cards. He loved talking about the Arkansas Razorbacks and the St. Louis Cardinals with his family. He loved hunting and fishing and just being outdoors. He also loved to collect knives and pocket watches.

After a richly wonderful life, Joe will be missed greatly by everyone who knew him and will continue to be loved, honored and celebrated as a wonderful example of a life well-lived.

There will not be a formal visitation with the family, but anyone can pay their respects on Tuesday, July 25, from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at the Roller-Daniel Funeral Home, 411 E. Race Avenue, Searcy, Arkansas.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, July 26, at 10:00 AM at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home and afterwards Joe will be laid to rest with Military Honors at the Honey Hill Cemetery, 228 Honey Hill Road, Searcy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the American Autism Association.

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