Obituary: James Richard Latta

James Richard “Dick” Latta, age 73, a resident of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Arkansas. He was born October 23, 1946 in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

He grew up in Morrow, Arkansas, and graduated from Lincoln High School. He served in the United States Naval Reserve in Chu Lai, Vietnam. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1971 with a degree in Marketing and was a member of Acacia Fraternity.

He bought Prince Manufacturing company in 1973 and renamed it LATCO. Later, he formed LATCO Wood Truss and built poultry houses from Colorado to Florida.  He built commercial egg production facilities in Iowa and Utah. Delta Egg Farm was the second largest employer in Miller County, Utah boosting their economy, which still has a lasting influence today. Also, Dick raised pure bred Simmental cattle and started LEAD to train police dogs.

Dick joined Central United Methodist Church in August 1995. He served on the Board of Trustees, was a member of the Growing in Grace Sunday School class, and was an Emmaus Pilgrim.

Dick had a second home in Deer Valley, Utah, where he spent much of his time over the past twenty years. Known for his positive outlook, he made everyone he met feel special. He never met a stranger. With a huge heart and generous spirit, he has helped numerous people his entire life.

Dick was infamous for his sense of adventure. The only speed he knew was full throttle. He loved riding snow mobiles, fast boats, white water rafting, cliff jumping, and hot air balloon rides. His zest for life was contagious. Dick will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Rowena T (Reed) Latta. Survivors include his wife Majesta Herrera and her daughter Athena Herrera; his brother Mike Latta; one son Jeremy Richard Latta; two daughters Linley Maria Dust and her husband Dave, and Lauren Latta Bartholomew and her husband Weston; one grandson Landyn Latta and one granddaughter Reagan Dust.

The family will receive friends Friday, February 14, 2020, from 1:00-2:00 PM in the CAC Building at Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with the funeral to begin at 2:00 PM with Pastor Wes Hillard officiating. Burial will be in the Bethesda Cemetery in Morrow, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Brad Bowen, Skip Davidson, Willie Leming, Chris Primm, Kenny Reed and Martin Swope.

In lieu of Flowers memorials may be made to Circle of Life Hospice at info@nwacircleoflife.org, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org, Healing Hands of Mercy Massage Foundation at hhmmf.org.

Source: Luginbuel Funeral Home