John Robert WHITLATCH

STEFFENVILLE, Mo. -- John Robert Whitlatch, 84, of Steffenville, died Monday (Nov. 1, 2010) at his home west of Steffenville.

He was born March 14, 1926, at Tower Hill, Ill., a son of Samual Ervin and Addie Blanche Closser Whitlatch.

He married Arlene Clark at Maroa, Ill., on June 5, 1949.

John graduated from Tower Hill High School at Tower Hill. He served his country in the United States Army from 1944 to 1946. During his service he received the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Battle Stars, the Victory Medal, two Overseas Service Bars, Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal.

For the past 59 years, John and his wife have lived on their farm west of Steffenville, where he was engaged in farming. He was a member of the Steffenville Christian Church and Welcome Lodge No. 215 IOOF of Steffenville. John and Arlene traveled all over the United States touring with Antique Car Clubs. He enjoyed farming with his two sons, gardening, riding with his dog Skip on the four-wheeler and spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife, Arlene, of Steffenville; two sons, Keith Whitlatch and Kent Whitlatch and wife, Phyllis, both of Steffenville; one brother, Lester Whitlatch and wife, Ilene, of Tower Hill; three grandchildren, Austin, Angie and Alex Whitlatch; and several nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Lula Whitlatch, Velma McElroy, Dorothy Hays, and Fern Fringer; and one brother, Dean Whitlatch.

SERVICES: 11 a.m. Saturday graveside service will be held in Steffenville Cemetery with Pastor Jerry Kaser conducting. Full military honors will be provided by Lewis County Memorial American Legion Post No. 578. Casket bearers will be family members.

VISITATION:  5 to 8 p.m. Friday in the Coder Funeral Chapel in LaBelle.

MEMORIALS: In memory of John Robert Whitlatch may be made to the Steffenville Cemetery, Blessing Hospice or the charity of the donor's choice. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Coder Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 151, LaBelle, MO 63447.

ARRANGEMENTS: Coder Funeral Home, LaBelle.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.whig.com.