Roamey A. Lathan

Roamey A Lathan was born on July 31, 1943, in Longview, Texas to Linda Ouida Hudson and Ray Roamey Lathan. Roamey was the only child to this union, and both preceded him in death. Roamey was relocated by his mother to Kansas City, MO in 1954 where he spent the majority of his life in school, cultivating friendships, raising a family and building a successful career for over 60 years.

Roamey loved music. After graduating from Central High School in 1961 he was a member The Idols, a quartet of young, Kansas City singers. The Idols ventured to Detroit with dreams of being part of the Motown sound where they recorded “Check Her Out” and “Why Am I So Blue,” both written by Roamey, on the USA Records label.

After giving Detroit his best effort, Roamey returned to Kansas City and settled in at Butler Manufacturing where he worked while raising a family and pursuing his bachelor’s in Business Administration at UMKC. After graduating in 1973, he went to work at Yellow Freight and climbed to the executive rank of Vice President before retiring in 1997.

Once retired, he developed a real joy for cooking. Roamey enjoyed preparing scrumptious dishes for gatherings and holidays. It was a treat to see how he smiled and danced in delight while he was cooking. We all have a favorite Roamey dish or two.

His love of music continued to evolve over the years. Roamey was always listening to something vastly different from everyone else and he enjoyed sharing his musical discoveries. Many of us can say he introduced us to artists or songs that will always remind us of him. He loved outdoor concerts and good, loud music.

Roamey loved to travel. In the early days, he would pack up the car and just drive and he especially loved exploring Colorado with the family. He preferred to travel with company, but he was open to adventures on his own and eventually journeyed to other countries for the culture, sightseeing and experiences.

Roamey loved to share joy with family and friends. Parties and gatherings at the Lathan’s were always memorable with great food, loads of laughter and Roamey sitting on the floor playing his favorite songs for everyone to dance, sing and enjoy.

Roamey and his wife Sandra left the four seasons and tornadoes in Overland Park, Kansas, for permanent summers and hurricanes in Fort Myers, Florida, in 2015. Roamey adjusted to the warm weather and immediately started cooking outside with a camper’s grill and smoker. He loved cooking for Sandra, the neighbors and family visitors that would come from all over to hang out in Florida with the Lathan’s.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory his wife Sandra and three girls Michelle Lathan of Los Angeles, CA, Jill Lathan (Christine) of Portsmouth, NH and Raquel Lathan-Thomas (Billy) who live in Overland Park, KS and three grandchildren Zion, Leyland and Lennon. Roamey’s surviving closest relatives are Mr. & Mrs. James Tippett of Ft. Worth and Mrs. Shirley Glover and family of Los Angeles. Family and friends too many to mention will remember him fondly.

A Celebration of Life will be hosted in Roamey’s honor online on July 31, 2021, and the details will be available soon. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation here:

https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/PFFTribute/RoameyLathan