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John Burr Latta

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Christian Brothers High School University of Memphis

John Latta Obituary

JOHN BURR LATTA, 22, died Friday, August 4, 2006, in an automobile accident. He was a graduate of Christian Brothers High School and the University of Memphis. John had been admitted as a medical student to the University of Tennessee, College of Medicine, where he planned to begin his studies on Monday, August 14. John was employed part-time at St. Francis Hospital as a surgical technician, and was a volunteer counselor at Camp Good Grief. He was a member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where he served as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. While at the University of Memphis, John served as president of Alpha Epsilon Delta, the pre-medical honor society, where he helped to organize Tigers for Organ Donation, the University of Memphis chapter of the national organization, Students for Organ Donation. John is survived by his parents, Jennie and Jim Latta; three brothers, Robert, Kenneth and David Latta; two sisters, Evelyn and Judy Latta; his grandmothers, Marilynn Latta and Sandra Davidson; his step-grandmother, June Davidson; and two aunts, Ann Latta Higgins, of Tullahoma, Tennessee, and Ann Davidson Sheerin, of Rome, Georgia. Visitation will be Monday, Aug. 7 from 5-7:30 p.m., at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, followed by Vespers at 7:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, Aug. 8 at 10 a.m., at the Cathedral, followed by burial at Memorial Park. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to Tigers for Organ Donation. Canale Funeral Directors 901-452-6400

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

Published by The Commercial Appeal on Aug. 6, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for John Latta

Sponsored by (sponsored by) S.D..

84 Entries

John Philip West

June 25, 2024

To John´s family, I thought I might write a few lines that might just fall under your eyes one day. John and I were classmates at Christian Brothers High School here in Memphis. We never did much outside of school together, though I didn´t tend to do much more than school and church activities. Being at home was often a bit more difficult for me than it was for many of the other boys in school. John, though, always had a smile on his face and was making everyone laugh. He was the type that always had a witty and clever response to anything that our teachers had to say. John was one of the smart kids without being cocky, a nerd, or anything than everyone´s friend. I think of John and other classmates of ours that have left us on this earth to ponder what their lives would look like now. Alas, John will forever be 22 years old, and I will forever think of him as the kid with braces making sure everyone was smiling. Our senior year of high school, John and I had a religion class together with a lovely woman named Miss Bass. She had an adopted son and they wanted to go and see a concert in downtown Memphis by Justin Timberlake and his band N Sync. Anyhow, I went downtown and bought the tickets for her the day before the concert, and John and I went around the school making the other boys all contribute in order to sign the card that we had gotten our beloved teacher. He was my partner in kindness on that day.
In closing, I just wanted to say that I have always felt that those taken from us at such a young age were often too good for this world and that maybe God knew that we did not deserve to be in the company of such bright light. I will think of John Latta until my last fleeting breath and I take comfort in knowing that I will see him again one day. May the peace of Christ be with his family now and forevermore.
Go Brothers,
John Philip West, Jr.

Lurtis Latta

August 19, 2016

Carol Moskal

March 24, 2014

Dear Latta Family,
You are in my prayers every day. I remember teaching Evelyn 3rd grade and how excited she would be if John was picking her up after school. She would light up and say, "John!" I knew then that John must be very special. He made his little sister so glad to see him. Most older brothers won't be bothered much with sisters, but not John. He made her feel important and that is a very rare gift. I thank you and your family for that sweet sweet memory!
Carol Moskal

March 24, 2014

What an exciting year your family will have this year. John is your guardian angel-looking down from above and smiling.

Famil and Friends December 2013

Jennie Latta

March 24, 2014

Dear Friends,

I'm on retreat this week, thinking about John, and so, about all of you. We just learned that John's older brother will become a father later this year. And one of his younger brothers will be married to a lovely young woman in September. So life goes on, but I like to think that John is keenly interested in it all -- laughing and crying with us from above!

Blessings in this season of new beginnings-

Jennie

Family and Friends December 2013

Jennie Latta

March 24, 2014

Dear Friends,

I've been on retreat this week, thinking of John, and so thinking of you. We just learned that John's older brother will become a father later this year. And one of his younger brothers will be married to a lovely young woman in September. So life goes on, but I like to think that John is keenly interested in it all -- laughing and crying with us from above.

May God bless you all in this season of new beginnings!

Jennie

Kindergarten

Jennie Latta

March 23, 2014

John and Evelyn 1995

Jennie Latta

March 23, 2014

Jennie Latta

January 8, 2012

Dear Chad-

Thank you so much for writing. You and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers throughout this holiday season. There are no easy answers, that is sure, but I join you in giving thanks for two special lives.

Chad Vedt

January 7, 2012

Hello to all.. My name is Chad Vest. I hope my posting to this site is not frowned upon! I am the son of Allen Vest. Here I sit days into the year of 2012 and still find my self thinking of that horrible night years ago when we all lost those so important in our lives. It is now January 7 th 2012 and I still fight, still try, and still find no answers as to why we were left with such a void. I fight everyday with my faith.... And regardless of the time that passes I find no answers. My father lived a good life.... A life he and his family are proud ! Allen Vest was a good man.... A good husband, and a good father! After meeting the Lattta family, spending a very short time with them, I know they have lost a equal if not even a more than equal part of their family as well! I pray that our families find the strength to accept those things in which we can not change, and to honor the memories of those so dear to our hearts!! Forever in my thoughts..... Chad

John at Camp Good Grief 2006

August 4, 2009

John's Third Anniversary

August 4, 2009

John's Second Anniversary

August 4, 2009

John at Camp Good Grief 2006

August 4, 2009

Camp Good Grief 2006

August 4, 2009

Dear friends-

Today is the third anniversary of the death of John and Allen. We miss them of course, but have been so blessed by so many of you who have held us in prayer. Thank you.

the Latta family

Camille Hadley

September 28, 2007

Dear Dr. and Judge Latta,
I know it has been just a little over a year since you lost your son so tragically. I pray that the Lord is holding you both and your family in His care. I remember seeing John when he was little and I attended Woodland Pres. School in the late '80's. Your loss and Heaven's gain is close to my heart.

God Bless,
Camille Hadley

The Latta Family on John's Anniversary

August 8, 2007

Fr. Val, Deacon Frank and the Lattas on John's Anniversary

August 8, 2007

Dawn Vest

August 6, 2007

Well it has just been over a year and I finally saw a picture of John and his family. The tears are flowing. I am so sorry for your loss as well as my own. God Bless You All.

Anaother graduation photo

September 9, 2006

John and his family after graduation

September 9, 2006

Jennie Latta

September 9, 2006

The Latta famiy would like to invite all of you to our home on Saturday, September 16, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., for food and fellowship. We would like to hear your stories about John and think together about the best way to honor John's memory. Send me an e-mail if you need directions.

Jane Garner

September 8, 2006

Thank you to the sponsor of this guest book for making it known that the homily was posted on the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception website. I found it very helpful, and so appropriate for John. I didn't attend the service because I didn't even know that any of this had happened until days later. The last time I talked to him, we were planning to meet on the UT campus.

I'm finding that school is extremely difficult without John. At the University of Memphis, we sat together through many classes and really bonded over our first semester of Organic Chemistry. During the course of our years there, right before every test, he would always smile and whisper "Are you ready?" My answer was always an emphatic "NO!" and he would smile that sweet smile again and say "Of course you are. Take a deep breath. You'll be fine." I wonder how many times we went through this ritual. I hear his voice now, saying "take a deep breath, you'll be fine.", but it's very hard to be fine without John and his calm, reassuring presence.

I also miss walking to class with him and our library chats. During our walks to and from class, and all the time we spent in the library, we not only laughed a lot but also covered a wide range of topics, including death. He was very interested in the children of St. Jude that I spent a great deal of time with. I had a particulary hard time when one child that I loved passed away, and John was so kind and so understanding, and just had such a wonderful, faithful perspective on everything. He was wise beyond his years, and he shared that wisdom in such a kind and gentle way.

He is dearly and deeply missed. The Latta family and all of John's many friends will forever remain in my prayers.

Guest Book Sponsor

August 31, 2006

For those who were unable to attend John's funeral on August 8, or anyone who would like to read the homily given by Reverend Valentine Handwerker on that day, you may find it posted online on the website for Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Memphis (click on homilies).

Also, since this guest book has been sponsored, meaning it will remain online permanently, I would encourage anyone who has pictures of John that they would be willing to share (any, but especially those taken in recent years) to do so by posting them to the photo album (see link at right). Although there is a minimal fee, I'm sure the opportunity to view these photos would be greatly appreciated by John's friends and family. Please pass the word to those who may have pictures to share, but who might not see this message. Thanks in advance for sharing your photos, and special thanks to Cory Coffman for posting the first 3 photos.

Please continue to keep the Latta family in your thoughts and prayers.

destinee viles

August 28, 2006

Dear Latta family i thought we would be friends forever but we arnt when john died i wished that it was me instead of him i miss him with all my heart i still want to see how he could be in heaven with god i wish he was here all the time but he cant it was his time so just remember hes with god.

Jane Garner

August 17, 2006

I keep avoiding writing this because I keep hoping that I will wake up tomorrow and find that I dreamed this nightmare and that it's not really true. Surely I will run into him on the UT campus tomorrow. Writing about my sweet friend, John, in the past tense....this just can't be right. It just can't be.

I met John as we walked into the Univ. of Memphis Biology building for the first time for our first college Biology class. Four years later, we walked out of that building together for the last time after taking our last final exam. During those 4 years, John became a close friend. He was truly the most kind and gracious person I've ever known....and also one of the smartest and most humble. He had much to gloat and boast about, but he never did. Not ever. He was so genuinely good, kind, caring, and compassionate, right down to the depths of his soul. He lived what he believed, and he did it in a very quiet and unassuming way. He didn't preach or lecture, but rather led by extraordinary example. His deep faith gave him an inner light that sparkled through both his smile and his warm brown eyes. He simply radiated goodness and light.

I'll never understand, from this side of life, why someone so wonderful and with so much potential to do good in the world was called Home so soon. All I know for sure is that he is with God, he is well, he is happy, and we will see him again when we arrive in Heaven. Even though I know these things, it doesn't stop my heart from breaking or keep me from feeling the pain of missing him now. He was truly an extraordinary person. I will thank God every day for the rest of my life that I was so fortunate and so blessed to have crossed paths with my sweet friend, John Latta.

Sharon Schnarre, Secretary, University of Toledo

August 16, 2006

To the family and friends of John:

The AED National Officers and National Office staff were saddened to hear of John's death. Please accept our condolances for your loss.

Dr. T.G. Jackson, President, University of South Alabama

Ms. Suzette Combs, Vice President, University of Cincinnati

Dr. Don Schreiweis, Treasurer, St. Louis University

Dr. Frank Dyer, Councilor, University of Memphis, retired

Ms. Debbie Ford, Office Manager, James Madison University

Ms. Linda Balser, Office Assistant, James Madison University

Jennie Latta

August 16, 2006

Thanks to all of you who have written. You cannot know how much this means to me and the rest of John's family. We have learned so much about John in the past ten days, all of which makes us very proud of him.

Stephanie Sexton Anderson

August 12, 2006

I taught John in middle school at Holy Rosary and was shaken to hear of his death. To the entire Latta family - please know that you are constantly lifted up in prayer, and that I pray for God's grace for you daily.

August 11, 2006

This guest book for John Burr Latta has been sponsored. This means that it will remain online permanently so that John's friends and family can continue to post or view messages in the guest book or pictures in the photo gallery for as long as they wish.

destinee viles

August 10, 2006

John was an awsome guy we got very close the 3 days of camp good grife.I think of him as a brother i love and miss him very much the 2nd day of camp we got close i told him he was my best friend and i told him that i would love to see him at camp next year. Just know that i will always love him.

destinee viles

August 10, 2006

naomi viles

August 10, 2006

I didn't Know your son very well but my three girls spent three days with him at camp Good Grief.They loved him so much.He poured his heart and sole into helping them learn to express their grief over the loss of their Dad.You can be so proud of the wonderful man he was.Thank you for him your family is in our prayers

Jonathan Capoccia

August 10, 2006

Latta Family,

John was the sweetest most selfless man that I have ever had the previledge to call freind. He will eternally live in our hearts.

Tonja Harmon

August 9, 2006

I haven't seen John in years, but he was always a sweet person and always made me laugh. His family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Curtis Taylor

August 8, 2006

I will always remember John as the person that could make anyone laugh we've all had good memories and he will forever live in our hearts. We'll miss you John!

Midge Stocker

August 8, 2006

Jennie--

The depth of your grief I cannot imagine, as I offer heartfelt condolence. Faith, hope, love . . . all bind this human family, you and all your children.

Lynne Nethken

August 8, 2006

I am so thankful to have been given the opportunity of knowing such a wonderful person. He was a great friend and I will never forget the moments we shared with him. I will love and miss you always John Latta.

Brandon Duff

August 8, 2006

John was a great friend. Some of my best memories involve times when he was with us all just hanging out. Not a day will go by that I won't think about him, but it was a blessing to get the chance to even know him and hang out with him and I look forward to seeing him again one day.

Janis Piwonka

August 8, 2006

Jennie,

Aron and I cannot imagine how difficult this must be for you and your family. You have our deepest sympathies.

Take care and God bless,

Janis Piwonka and Aron Ramage

Izu Iwueke

August 8, 2006

Judge Latta and family,

I am deeply saddened by the loss of you son. Please accept my sincere sympathy. I was the vice-president when John was the president of Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) and we worked together to carry out events. I will forever remember him as a friend who is very approachable and optimistic. Mr. President, as I usually called him, will be missed by the members of AED.

Adieu Mr. President

Adieu John latta

May your soul rest in perfect peace.

The members of your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May Almighty God comfort you.

Dian Hall

August 8, 2006

Jennie,

I pray that God will be with you during this difficult time. Please know that you are in my prayers.

Debra & Shelby Harris

August 8, 2006

May God Bless you and your family.

Sue Swaffer

August 8, 2006

Dear Jennie, Jim, and family,

My deepest sympathies for the loss of your precious son and brother. May the peace of God's love be with all of you in your time of sorrow.

Lynn Hansen

August 8, 2006

Dear Jennie, Jim and family,

I am so sorry for your loss. May God's love give you strength in your time of sorrow. You are in my thoughts and in my prayers.

Joe Birch

August 7, 2006

Dear Judge & Dr. Latta:

Please accept our sincere condolences in the passing of your beloved son. May the Deep Peace of our Precious Lord Jesus carry you through. We are out of the city on vacation and will be unable to attend the celebration of John's life. Know that our pryaers are with you! Deep Peace, Joe Birch & Family

Brandi Harris

August 7, 2006

Eventhough, I never laid eyes on John nor his family, I am deeply saddened by his death. I will keep his family and loved ones in my prayers

Beverly Moore

August 7, 2006

Jennie, Jim, Sandra & family...

There are no words that will lessen your sorrow but know that I am praying for you with all my heart. I love you.

web haining

August 7, 2006

john was a good friend and will be greatly missed. my deepest sympathies go out to the Latta family.

Blake Weirich

August 7, 2006

I was not a close friend to John, but i graduated with him at CBHS. When any Brothers Boy or his family is hit with tragedy, It hurts my heart. May God Bless you and keep you in this time of Sorrow.

My Deepest Condolences,

Blake Weirich

CBHS graduaet Class of 2002

Norman & Anita Stothard

August 7, 2006

Although we did not know John, Our daughter thought very highly of him. She especially grieves for his family. We will keep John and his mother in our daily prayers .

Kay Veazey

August 7, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

renee whitehouse

August 7, 2006

John was a wonderful,kind and loving person. It was a pleasure and honor to work with John at St. Francis Hospital. He will be missed greatly.

carla higgins

August 7, 2006

Dr. Latta and Family,

Bo and I were so sorry to hear about your son. We think of you often, and appreciate all you have done for us. Please let us know if there is anything we could do to help.

Sincerely,

Bo and Carla Higgins

Lisa Eldin

August 7, 2006

John was an outstanding young man who was well-liked and respected by his fellow students. We share your loss and extend our deepest condolences. you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

The Members of the University of Memphis Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta, Tigers for Organ Donation, and Lisa Eldin, Pre-Health Advisor

Bryan England

August 7, 2006

John Latta...someone who I always knew would be someone I would look up to as a colleague and friend. Never judgemental, he was always approachable and friendly, whether he knew the person or not. I am saddened by the loss of a great person.

Bryan Payne

August 7, 2006

I am deeply saddened by the loss of a future classmate and fellow colleague. I took a few classes with John at the University of Memphis, and I was also a member with him in Alpha Epsilon Delta. Although we didn't interact much other than a few times to study Biochemistry, I was glad to know that a fellow UofM grad would be going to UT with me this fall. In the short time that I knew John, I found him to be an extremely intelligent and likeable guy. It is a shame that the medical community was robbed of an individual that had the ability to become a great physician.

Family and friends of John you are in my prayers. God bless.

Lisa Ann LaVigne

August 7, 2006

Judge Latta, You have always been an inspriation to me. Your teachings have brought me closer to my Catholic faith and I hope your faith will help sustain you through this. I can't tell you how deeply sorry I am for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Dan Fields

August 7, 2006

"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, what God has prepared for those who love him." No words are sufficient comfort in such a moment. Just know that we share in your loss and that we are here for you in prayer and presence.

Stephen Bullock

August 7, 2006

Dear Jennie, Jim and Family,

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I deeply regret your loss. Rest in God's love and know that he is near.

Donnie Wages

August 7, 2006

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I worked with John at St. Francis. He was the kind of young man that you just instantly loved. His smile, sense of humor, willingness to help anyone, his manners and his glowing happy face I looked forward to seeing on Saturday mornings as he walked around the corner at work. I feel blessed to have known John. I will miss him deeply, but I will always remember that smile.

With deepest sympathy,

"Ms.Donnie" (he called me) Wages

Bridget Walker

August 7, 2006

I just recently met John as a fellow "Buddy" at Camp Good Grief. John was a wonderful addition to the camp team and I believe we are all better people for having met him. Please know that John and the Latta family are in my prayers.

Chuck Weirich

August 7, 2006

Dear Jennie and Jim:

My God bless you and your family during this difficult time. You will be in my prayers.

Diane Stothard

August 7, 2006

Dear Jennie, Jim and family,

My deepest sympathies for you during this horrible and painful time. I pray that God will bless you all with God's peace and consolation.

You are in my prayers,

Cathey Byers

August 7, 2006

I don't know what to say. Please know that you and your family are in my heart and you will be in my prayers.

Scott & Renee Kirkpatrick

August 7, 2006

In our thoughts and prayers in the lost of your son John.

Lola Afolabi

August 7, 2006

I am so sorry about the loss of John. We both served on Alpha Epsilon Delta and Tigers for Organ Donations. We also took Biochemistry class together at the University of Memphis. My sincere sympathy goes to his family for losing such a fine, bright and intelligent young man.

Kyle Kramer

August 7, 2006

Jennie and Jim,

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. The School and the monastic community of Saint Meinrad will be praying for all of you.

Conway

August 7, 2006

Be Still

Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day

Be still like desert shrub.

Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.

If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.

August 7, 2006

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

With heartfelt sympathy,

Paul & Cecilia Bryant

John Williams

August 7, 2006

Jennie & Jim,

I was shocked to hear the news. As you know, my wife and I lost a son. I am currently taking a "Grief in Pastoral Ministry" class and have had to relive the events. The pain you are feeling must be terrible. If there is any consolation, it is that your John is with his Heavenly Father. I will continue to pray for you and your family in your time of grief.

Love and Blessings

Matthew Duncan

August 6, 2006

John, or just "Latta" as I and many of his friends called him, was such a great friend. We shared many of the same friends and an interest in the medical professions. He was my favorite person to see in many of my Biology classes at the University of Memphis. I'll never forget John or the good times, playing golf, eating lunch out between classes, a couple of trips to Florida, and playing Xbox are just some of them. My deepest sympathies go out to his family. There are no words to express just how much he meant to us all.

Rose and Hubert Spears

August 6, 2006

Dear Jennie and Jim, We are so deeply saddened by the loss of JOHN. He had grown into such a fine young man. His choice to work and study in the field of medicine exemplified his humanitarian nature. Your whole family is in our hearts and in our prayers at this most difficult time.

Dennis Schenkel

August 6, 2006

Jennie, I am so very sorry.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon him. Amen.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Paul & Kim Stokell

August 6, 2006

Jennie, we are all shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic loss. Know of our profound sympathies and prayers for you and your wonderful family at this time, and in the days to come.

Nancy Piwonka

August 6, 2006

Jennie, I am so sorry to hear this. I know how proud you were of John and his plans to attend medical school. My deepest sympathies.

Cory Coffman

August 6, 2006

John was a great friend, and as we learned at CBHS he was a true "Brother" to me and his friends. He was always willing to give a helping hand and will be missed. I will always remember the good times with John.

John with friends in Florida - July 23rd 2006

August 6, 2006

Cory Coffman and John Latta - Spring 06

August 6, 2006

Matt Duncan, John Latta, Curtis Taylor, Dustin Harwood. July 2 2006

August 6, 2006

Sr. Ann McKean, CSA

August 6, 2006

John Latta was one of the kindest and most gentle young man you could ever imagine. A loving brother to his younger brothers and sisters and always ready to help anyone in need. Those who knew John are especially blessed and comforted in remembering that "life is changed, not taken away".

Jennifer Kenley

August 6, 2006

John was a polite and happy person. I worked with him at St. Francis and his laughter and smiles were contagious. I'm sorry for your loss and the community's loss of a wonderful person.

Carol McMaster

August 5, 2006

He was one of the finest young men I ever knew. I always talk about this beloved family to my friends because they are such a perfect example of a loving and giving family. May God show them love and mercy.

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