Lt. Cmdr. Todd Edward Latshaw

1952 - 2021

BORN

1952

DIED

2021

Lt. Latshaw Obituary

Lt. Cmdr. (Ret) Todd Edward Latshaw

Lieutenant Commander (Ret) Todd Edward Latshaw left this world January 3, 2021, after a short but demanding battle with MDS stem cell treatment, and after casting his vote for Joe Biden. While the stem cell treatment was successful, thanks to the generous donation of cells by his son, David Latshaw, recovery proved too difficult. He left surrounded by his wife, children and sister, Becky, and by a community of admirers and friends who held him up in constant thought and prayer. A most loving and tearful sendoff, to be sure.

Todd was born July 3, 1952 to Barbara Jane Latshaw (Hess) and David Latshaw in Canton, Ohio. In Pittsburgh, he graduated from Cannevin High School and Waynesburg College, where he fell for his lab partner, Budgie Hartman. He served 21 years as a pilot in the U.S. Navy, flying C130s, C12s and P3s. They travelled the world while stationed in Guam, Okinawa, and England, as well as stateside ports in Florida, Texas, and Maryland. He then joined Northwest Airlines as a DC10 pilot, finishing his career at Delta Airlines. Todd's genuine mission was as husband, father, grandfather, and friend to the world. Weather permitting, he could be found golfing or driving his refurbished TR6, but definitely not exercising. Wherever Todd ventured, laughter followed. A truly generous, welcoming, and light-hearted man, Todd was quick to make friends with anyone and everyone and left lasting impressions everywhere he went.

He is survived by his spouse of 42 years, Mildred (Budgie) Latshaw, his sister, Becky (John) Bannon, his children, Sara Latshaw (Ryan Donovan), and David Latshaw (Tiffany Latshaw) and three grandsons, Baylen, Gray, and Fletcher.

He will be interred at NAS Pensacola following a military ceremony. Because of Covid 19 we wish to postpone interment, followed by a celebration of Life, until we can gather safely.

If in search of a way to commemorate his life he asked that you donate to the ACLU of Florida, an organization especially dear to his heart. Donations can be made at www.aclufl.org or mailed to 4343 W. Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33134.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Pensacola News Journal from Feb. 25 to Feb. 28, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Lt. Latshaw

6 Entries

Bill Smith

March 28, 2021

My condolences to the Latshaw family. Todd was the first friend I met in High School. Even though I did not see or talk to him after graduation, the memories would always come back during certain things I found myself doing. A good heart? Definitely, as Freshmen Biology students him and I were the only ones who thought it would be a great idea to get a wedding gift for our Teacher. He was "macho" type man but he was touched that 2 kids he nicknamed Hansel and Gretel, cared enough to do something like that. I remember we both enjoyed "Studio Wrestling" and actually made few trips to the Civic Arena to watch live events. We also enjoyed small game hunting, so there were many times we would make sure to meet up and just get out and enjoy the woods. One memorable time was when he took me and my younger brother to his Uncle Homer's place to hunt and he borrowed his shotgun, one without a safety. Found that out luckily while he was using it to point out something and it went off with all of us behind him. Needless to say we made sure no shell was in the chamber after that. On the way back he decided his little Corvair was race car and he took a curve to fast and blew out 2 tires...in front of an angry bull trying to get out.
I actually started looking for him this past December and had sent an email I had found for him... He was a good man I'll remember for being a part of my life in those younger times. I regret I didn't get the chance to talk to him and catch up on our lives.

Bill

Judi word

March 3, 2021

I am deeply sorry for your loss. We don’t understand why some loved ones depart so early but trust in the Lord that he is at peace and you will be joined again. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers daily.

John Branchflower

March 3, 2021

It’s hard to capture in a few words what it was that made Todd so special. But this picture hints of it- the sly smile that said if something fun or funny hadn’t already happened it was certainly about to.
The world was his playground. Everyone he met became a valued character in the long running, ongoing play that was his life. The memory of a small role in that wonderful play is our inheritance from Todd.
Our lives are a little less bright in his absence. And yet we can’t help but smile.
RIP Biff Gladstone!

Dennis Kerr

March 1, 2021

In my time on this planet I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of wonderful caring people, Todd is on the top of that list. Although I only knew him through our golf league and few phone calls each interaction was a pleasure. He will be sorely missed by all. Condolences to the entire family.

DJ