Bruce Everett Latimer

Bruce Everett Latimer was born on a cool night in Texas City on April 11, 1929, the third of six children in a close-knit family led by Douglas Leslie "D.L." and Jewel Latimer. The family lived in Texas City for several years before building a new home in La Marque, where his parents raised cattle and horses, and he and his siblings learned the value of hard work and family loyalty early on.
During the Second World War, Bruce's father supported the war effort at the Texas City Wharf. Bruce was a proud American and Texan, whose family lineage in America could be traced back more to the Republic of Texas and the birth of America.
Similarly, at just 17, determined to serve his country, Bruce left high school to join the U.S. Army Air Corps. He spent time in Japan as part of the post-war security forces-a young man seeing the world while never losing sight of home. When he returned, he finished his education, joined the Texas State Guard, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. He worked at the local tin smelter, managing over 125 men with characteristic calm and precision.
One of the most defining moments of Bruce's life came when he met Luella Nadine (Doss). Nadine had a newborn daughter, Sandra Kay, whom Bruce chose as his own the day he married Nadine, on December 16, 1952. He didn't just gain a wife-he built a family. He was a steady, devoted father who never let Sandra forget how loved she was.
Bruce's quiet commitment to serving others was a way of life. In Jacinto City, he worked with the police department, the sheriff's department, the fire department, and the Emergency Rescue Corps. He wore many uniforms, but the constant was his sense of duty and his deep faith. He became a Master Mason, valuing fellowship, tradition, and service.
Later, Bruce and Nadine built a successful career in real estate as brokers and agents. Together, they developed, bought and sold homes from Houston to Louisiana, owned a farm in Hallettsville, and eventually returned to La Marque to renovate and build homes throughout Galveston County. They weren't just partners in business, but best friends in life, a team in every sense.
Bruce also found time to serve on the boards of several local financial institutions and on the La Marque Economic Development Commission. He always seemed to have one more meeting to attend, one more neighbor to help.
But what really defined Bruce was his unwavering dedication, hard work, and thrift. He believed in earning everything honestly and making the most of what he had. He taught these values to his family by example, showing his grandchildren, Ty and Tia Wenglar, the importance of diligence and responsibility. He was equally devoted to guiding his great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and he took pride in mentoring many he considered family-including Ronald and Melissa Stevenson, Brenda Murphy, Deann Deem, and Julieta Rueda-instilling in them the same work ethic and commitment he lived by every day.
He also supported many causes dear to his heart, including Paul's Union Church, the College of the Mainland Foundation, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Shriners Hospital Burn Hospital, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the Galena Park Masonic Lodge, and the Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers Association.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and several of his brothers and sisters. He is survived by his daughter, Sandra Richards; his brother, Dudley; his two grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Bruce's life was marked by service, generosity, and unwavering faith in God. He lived by the creed that there is always room at the table, always time for one more story, and always a way to help. He leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue in all who knew him.
Graveside services will be conducted 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 18, 2025, at Hayes Grace Memorial Park Cemetery Pavillion, with Pastor Doug McBrayer officiating.
Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 17, 2025, in the chapel of Hayes Funeral Home, 10412 Highway 6, (409) 925-3501.
In the spirit of Bruce's giving heart, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bruce's memory to Paul's Union Church, College of the Mainland Foundation, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Shriners Hospital Burn Hospital, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Galena Park Masonic Lodge 1290 AF & AM, or the Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers Association.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Bruce Everett Latimer, please visit our floral store.