Jody was born to parents Carle Lathan and Maybell Rose in Antlers, OK on December 22, 1947. He was raised in Taylor, TX and graduated from Willis High School in Willis, TX in 1966. He enrolled at Sam Houston State University with the intent of obtaining a degree in Psychology, but his strong sense of patriotism lead him to leave college to enlist in the United States Army in March 1969. He served in Vietnam with Alpha Company 3rd Battalion 22nd Infantry and was awarded a Bronze Star medal and a Purple Heart. Jody was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant in 1972.
On January 15, 1971, he married Betty Ann Tiemann and they had two daughters. They were married 36 years until Betty’s passing in 2007. Jody initially went to work for the United States Post Office after his discharge and retired from Siemens, Inc in 2010. Retirement did not suit him so he decided to try his hand at real estate. He graduated from the Champion School of Real Estate to become a licensed realtor in 2016 and worked with Keller Williamson in Georgetown, TX.
Jody remarried on October 11, 2008 and enjoyed almost 10 amazing years with Brenda Crocker. Together they enjoyed traveling and attending his 22nd Infantry Reunions. Jody was also an avid car collector. His preference in vehicles were powerful, fast and loud, but ironically would fuss at Brenda constantly to tell her she was driving too fast.
Jody was complicated and strict, but he was also a generous and loving man. He had an impact on many lives during his time here with us. He is loved and will be deeply missed by all those who had the opportunity and privilege to know him.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, brother Carle Alvis Lathan, Jr, first wife Betty and daughter Clarisa.
He is survived by his wife Brenda, daughter Chandra Vaughan-Pimentel and husband Edward, granddaughter Gabrielle Vaughan-Wheeler and husband Cody, grandson Andrew Vaughan, sister Nedra Sossamon and husband Bobby, brother I.O. Yates, nieces Stacey Garcia and Chandra Yates, nephew Ryan Sossamon, sister-in-law Bonny Green and husband Tommy, Brenda's children Becky and Kyle, her grandchildren Jarek, Keaton and Kelbie Black and close friends Robby and Trisha Winfield.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2 PM Thursday, August 9 at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, Copperas Cove.
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