Willard Latas

Willard Latas, 88, passed away July 12, 2022 at Chandler, Arizona.
He was born February 14, 1934 at Rozel, Kansas, the son of Albert and Esther (Carlson) Latas.
He belonged to the First Baptist Church of Rozel and he graduated from Rozel High School in 1952. Willard joined the United States Armed Services in October 1959. He retired from the United States Army Medical Corp in January, 1980 with the Rank of 1st Sergeant (E8). He served two tours of duty in Germany and one tour in Vietnam with the 85th Evacuation Hospital Unit near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). He was stationed in many outside posts. Willard received the following Awards or Decorations: National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnam Republic Gallantry Cross; Bronze Star; Army Commendation Medal; Armed
Forces Expeditionary Medal; Meritorious Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver Star; Army Occupation Medal, and earned several Good Conduct Awards. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and also a member of the American Legion. He served as Post Commander for VFW Post #7271 for three years in Larned, was VFW 7th District Commander in 1991-1992, then served as Post Commander for VFW Post #3111 in Great Bend for 4 years. After retiring from the Armed Forces in 1980, Willard was employed at the Larned State Hospital until he retired in 1996. He served as
President for 4 years at the Larned Senior Center.
On July 29, 1962 he married Lucinda Young; she died May 7, 1990. He later married Patricia (Gales) Shaver June 21, 1991; she survives.
Other survivors include: numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Albert Dale, Arlie Gene, Raymond, and Ronald; and two sisters, Lorene Smith and Wanda Tedford.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial graveside service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 20, 2022 at Larned Cemetery with Bob Sallee presiding, and military graveside rites presented by Kansas National Guard Army Honor Guard and 8th District American Legion Honor Guard.
Memorials may be given to Wounded Warrior Project in care of Beckwith Mortuary, PO Box 477, Larned, KS 67550.