Walter Latham

Walter Dewitt Latham, 64, loved and respected father, grandfather, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully in his home December 23rd, 2024. While unexpected, he was comforted in his passing by his wife and beloved dogs at this side.

 Preceded in death by his father Royce Latham, birth mother Jesse Sholes, and son Cody Lee Latham.

Walt is survived and remembered by his devoted and patient wife of 37 years Paula Latham, his children Crystal and her husband Jose Celis, Danielle and her husband Sean Brink, and Wayland Dean and his wife Melissa Latham, his grandchildren Dylan with Fiancé Taylor, Lucas, Jasmine, Peyton, Warric, Emerson, Moxen, Hudson, Gemma, Elias, his Momma Margaret Latham, and his siblings Barbara and her husband Carl Block, Michael and his wife Terri Latham, Debra Ann and her husband Carey Sartain, and especially Little Debbie and her husband David Johnson.

Walt was born on August 24th,1960 in San Angelo Texas. He grew up in Texas, running track, participating in FFA, and moving houses with his Daddy Royce and Uncle Clayton. He loved to share memories of those experiences that would lay the groundwork for his career as a master carpenter and contractor.

Walt took the opportunity to enlist in the Marine Corps in 1978 where he spent years traveling the world (He said Thailand was the most beautiful place he ever went), serving on the USS Ranger, and honing his skills as a competitive shooter, military policeman, and drill instructor. He even met Paula on a rifle range in North Carolina while instructing. He left the Marine Corps in 1988 but all those who met Walt knew “Once a Marine, Always a Marine” in a voice that was recognizably changed through the years of vocalizing his commands. 

After leaving the Corps Walt and Paula moved to Wisconsin where he began his career as a carpenter and contractor. His world would eventually bring him to Omaha to build an estate for a client that would become the benchmark of his building career.

Walt had many interests including gardening enough to feed the block, golf, fishing, hunting, “relaxing” at their river retreat, and he was never one to miss his spot at the bar with his friends to discuss only the most pressing matters of the day.

Walt will forever be remembered for many things, top of the list - his willingness and ability to put in the hard work. The love he had and showed for his wife who he adored. He was a fierce and loyal friend. He was a loving father who instilled a work ethic in his children that is unshakable. And his grandbabies who will never forget their Pappa and how much loved being a grandpa.

Libations to follow the service at Rookies Bar- 1702 N 120th Street Omaha, NE 18154

In Lieu of flowers please send memorials to the Nebraska Humane Society