Richard C. Lathrop (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Richard Clarence Lathrop, son of Clarence E. “Ted” and Leona Casey Lathrop, was born August 12, 1931, near Oakland, Missouri. He departed this life Thursday, April 17, 2014, in Mercy Hospital, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty-two years, eight months, and five days.
On August 3, 1957, he was united in marriage to Betty L. England, and to this union one daughter and one son were born.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Casey O’Dell.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of fifty-six years, Betty, of the home; a daughter, Christina Moberly, and her husband, Kenneth, of Rolla, Missouri; a son, Rick Lathrop, and his wife, Sherry, of Lebanon, Missouri; five grandchildren, Travis, Richelle, Kenny, Liara, and Colby; three great-grandchildren, Colton, Ryan, and Chayse; a sister, Juanita Kerley, of the State of Arizona; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was raised in the Dry Nob community, attended Bee Branch School from first through eighth grades, and graduated from Lebanon High School in the Class of 1949. He then served his country faithfully in the United States Navy during the Korean War. After he and Betty were married, they purchased and operated the Lathrop family dairy farm, near Lebanon, which was widely known for hosting many fox hunts over the years. Richard worked for Laclede Metal Products for thirteen years, and then was employed by Lowe Boats. He later worked at the Kenneth E. Cowan Civic Center in Lebanon for eleven years before retiring.
Richard made his profession of faith in Christ early in his life and had sung in many area churches throughout the years. He was a member of the Jonesman Quartet in the1960’s, a member of the New Life Quartet for forty-three years, and was noted for his deep bass voice. He had sung for countless events, services and special occasions during his lifetime. He attended Crossroads Freewill Baptist Church.
He loved milking the cows and working on the farm most of all, but also enjoyed being outdoors where his favorite activities were hunting and fishing. He was very meticulous about caring for his lawn and enjoyed gardening and cutting wood. He was a kind man, a true gentleman and possessed a delightful sense of humor. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Richard was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that his family and friends will treasure the wonderful memories he made for them during his eighty-two years.
Memorial donations may be made to the Oakland Moravian Cemetery, and left at the funeral home.
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