Alan R. Lathrum

Alan R. Lathrum, SFC, Iowa National Guard, (Ret), formerly of Johnston and Yale, passed away at the West Ridge Specialty Care facility in Knoxville Iowa surrounded by his family on Oct 8, 2024. He was 77 years old, missing his 78th birthday by one day.
Alan was born October 9, 1946, to Bernal G. and Elsie (Dalasta) Lathrum. Alan was the youngest of 5 children and was raised in Johnston. Alan graduated from high school in 1964 from Johnston High School. Alan joined the Army in 1965 and attended basic training at Fort Leonardwood, MO, followed by AIT in Aberdeen, Maryland. After basic training, Alan attended mechanics trade school in Omaha for two years, obtaining a degree in mechanics, specializing in diesel engines.
In 1970, Alan married Karen Bebber and became a father to the first of two daughters, with the second daughter completing the family in 1974. Alan continued to serve his country in the Iowa National Guard, working at Camp Dodge for many years as a mechanic. In 1978, Alan left Camp Dodge to become the service manager at Granger Motors where he worked for several years, before returning to Camp Dodge full time in 1984.
On January 18, 1986, Alan married Shirley Powell and together they lived on their farm in rural Yale. In 1988, Alan began working for the Farmers Co-Op in Yale and finished his mechanic's career by working on farm machinery for Clark Farms and 3-D Truck Repair in Yale. Alan retired from 3-D Truck Repair in October 2012.
After retirement, Alan and Shirley spent time camping, playing cards, traveling, playing with the grandchildren and attending their activities and fishing. Alan and Shirley would travel all over to watch their granddaughters play softball, basketball, run track and their grandson sing. Alan was very proud of his accomplishment of being sober for 36 years prior to his death, and he made many, many good friends, who he referred to as "additional family" within the AA organization. Alan became a sponsor and role model to many within the program, while attending meetings in various towns.
Left to cherish Alan's memory are his daughters, Jacqueline (Mark) Loynachan of Knoxville and Elaine (David) Lowe of Johnston, two step-children, Timothy Powell and Judith Hall, both of Richmond, VA, seven grandchildren including Taylor Lathrum (Brandon McCracken) of Perry, Rachel Loynachan (Justyn Schnipkoweit) of Davenport, Anthony Roe of Johnston, Michelle (Keith) Napier of Richmond, VA, and Ashley Hall of Richmond VA, Josie Lowe of Omaha, NE, and John Lowe of Johnston as well as two great-grandchildren, Alyssa Napier of Richmond, VA and Ashton McCracken of Perry. Additionally, Alan is survived by his best friend, Shirley Powell of Richmond, VA, two sisters, Nancy Hanna of LeClede, MO, and Barbara (John) Friederich of Monroe, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, two aunts, and many friends.
Alan was preceded in death by his parents, Bernal and Elsie Lathrum, his sister, Donna Lathrum, sister Mary Ann Lathrum, brother-in-law David Hanna and a great niece, Ellen Carpenter.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the excellent care that Alan received from Dr. Brian Freeman and Carissa Thompson, ARNP of Mission Cancer in Des Moines and all the staff from West Ridge Specialty Care in Knoxville. Both Mission Cancer and West Ridge were critical in Alan's care during the last 18 months, and he wouldn't have been with us as long as he was without them.
A visitation will be held on Monday, October 14th, 2024, from 9 – 11 am, with a celebration of life to begin at 11, all at the Merle Hay Chapel, 4400 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines. Burial will be in the Chapel Hill Gardens cemetery with Military Honors. Memorials may be directed to the family.