Monroe Spencer Latham

Monroe Spencer Latham, age 95, of Arlington, Texas, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, October 12, 2023. Monroe was born in Throckmorton, Texas to Jesse and Myrtle Latham on August 28, 1928, the eldest of six children. Monroe's family frequently moved and soon relocated to the Paducah, Texas area where Monroe worked on the farm as a ten year old boy planting and harvesting 220 acres of cotton and grain using a horse drawn plow and a two-row planter, which his dad prepared for him in the field, before going to work another job. Monroe was not fond of school, excepting math, but he loved working the land and seeing the resulting harvest. Working with his dad, he learned a strong work ethic which he carried throughout his life. He also enjoyed riding horses, hunting with his dad, and fishing. In high school he played football for Paducah High.

Monroe met his wife, Martha Jones from Matador, Texas and married in Fort Worth, Texas on June 5, 1954. They were married for 67 years. Monroe is survived by his children Marietta Cobb and husband, Doug, of Galveston, Texas; Marquita Nelson and husband, Scott, of Arlington, Texas; Matt Latham and wife, Barbara, of North Richland Hills, Texas; 3 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and 2 siblings, Nelda Carson of Tennessee, and Gene Latham of Kansas. Monroe was preceded in death by his wife, parents, brothers Joe and Gerald Latham, and sister, Faye Standridge.

Monroe was an employee of General Motors for 40 years. He enjoyed his retirement traveling to every state, as well as a few foreign countries. He learned the craft of woodworking, and enjoyed hunting trips with family and friends. One of his favorite pastimes was watching the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys. Monroe was a life-long and competitive 42 player. He enjoyed playing the game, as well as teaching the game to others, but mostly, he loved winning! Monroe was a long-time member of Lamar Baptist Church, serving as a deacon and, with his wife, visiting homebound members and ministering to the senior adults in the church. He looked forward to Vacation Bible School week each summer where he served on the security team. Service to others was a great part of his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in honor of Monroe to Mission Arlington.

A visitation will be held at Moore Funeral Home in Arlington, Texas on Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. with the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. A committal service will be held at Moore Memorial Gardens immediately following.