John Michael Latimer ("Mike") 77, of Amarillo passed away August 30, 2021. He was born on March 12, 1944, in Sulphur Oklahoma to Osborn and Vesta Latimer. He grew up in Wynnewood Oklahoma where he was part of a large family. He was a Boy Scout earning the rank of Eagle Scout. On January 21, 1966, he married Janis Williams and they shared 51 years together raising three children. Mike served in the United States Airforce from 1966 to 1974. After which he began working in the Aerospace industry with much of that time being spent at Boeing working on the Stealth Bomber. During this time, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology and a Master of Science in Engineering Technology from Central Washington University.
He retired from Boeing in 2003 and moved to Amarillo to be closer to his grandchildren. He played a significant role in their childhood and could often be found driving kids to and from school and other activities. When asked what they will remember most about their grandpa, the response was he was one of the smartest people they ever knew, that he could fix anything and wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty. He loved talking about genealogy and his ancestors. His roots were unique in that on one side he was Native American and a proud member of the Choctaw Tribe and on the other side his ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War. He was always willing to share stories about his family. These stories will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his two daughters Denise Leard and husband Charles; Nancy Buck and son John Latimer Jr., Sisters Sandy Ledford and Marilyn Edwards and husband Gene. Grandchildren Daniel Fletcher and wife Maddison, Michael Fletcher, Zachary Fletcher, Jacob Fletcher and wife Kim, Katherine Fletcher, and Darian Verner. Great Grandson, Brooks Fletcher. Many nieces, nephews and friends who will deeply miss him.
