SSG Tyler Blake Latta

Tyler was born to Regan and Carla on April 27, 1993, in Houston, TX, at the Houston Northwest Hospital. He was raised in Spring, TX. He had four older siblings growing up that he looked up to: Derek Duncan, Denee Dimiceli, Jennifer Duncan, and Brittaney Latta. He had such a close bond with his siblings and brother-in-law, TJ Dimiceli, from childhood into adulthood. He loved spending time in Trinity, TX, at the family farm, a place he often talked about. From his childhood into his young adult life he enjoyed the cub scouts, football, paintball, hunting, and fishing, among other fun activities. As a young man he was part of the National Junior Honor Society and Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, and he did volunteer work for the Habitat for Humanity. Some of his childhood hobbies included video games on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. Tyler also had very fond memories of building model planes with Dad; a hobby he carried into adulthood. Tyler was always a man of many honorable accomplishments in high school. He became the AFJROTC Commander at Klein High School. He graduated from Klein High School in 2011.

Growing up in Spring, TX, he was loved by many and had some great friends; Tyler Cain, William Hicks, Corbin Hennick, Ryan Smith, Cody Timpone, Travis Cain, Anthony McCombs, Garrett Sloan, and a host of others, with whom he made some incredible memories. Later in life he became best friends with so many amazing people, but one that made a huge impact on his life was Leonard Battle.

Tyler fell in love with his high school sweetheart, Karen Melissa Murillo, and on October 3, 2012, they married in Houston, TX. She then relocated to Fayetteville, NC, to be with the love of her life. During their marriage, they had a passion for helping animals. Along their journey together they rescued four incredible pets: Aussie, Macci Anne, Julius, Oakley, and an array of tropical fish. Tyler and Karen enjoyed traveling together and seeing new places. Some of their most treasured memories were from their honeymoon in Cancun, Christmas in Disney, Army Birthday Ball in Washington D.C., and so many other great trips.

Outside his military career he enjoyed watching scary movies with his wife, his tropical fish tank, fishing, weightlifting, and video games, among many other fun activities. He wasn't big into sports, but he loved watching the Texans alongside his wife and close friends.

In 2011 Tyler graduated from the Army’s basic training in Fort Benning, GA, where he was honored as the Soldier of the Cycle, the Distinguished Honor Graduate, and received the Army Commendation Medal.

During Tyler’s time in service he served in 2nd Battalion 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Alpha Company, from 2011-2015 where he served two combat deployments to Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) where he fired more than 1,200 rounds in combat. From 2015 to present time Tyler was promoted to Staff Sergeant. He joined Special Operations, (PSYOPS) where he was deployed to Africa for six months. SSG Tyler Blake Latta received many awards during his time in service. He later went on to receive his Associates Degree with Highest Honors, from Fayetteville Tech Community College, while actively serving in the U.S. Army.

During His Military Career Tyler received many Medals, Awards, and Commendations:

Army Commendation Medal, 3

Joint Service Achievement Medal

Army Achievement Medal, 3

Army Good Conduct Medal, 2

National Defense Service Medal

Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, 2

Army Service Ribbon

NATO Medal

Combat Infantryman Badge

Parachutist Badge, Basic

Combat and Special Skill Badge Basic Marksmanship Qual Badge

Bar, Weapon: Carbine (Inscription: Carbine) Expert

Driver and Mechanic Badge Bar, Driver-W (for wheeled vehicles)

Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army)

Overseas Service Bar, 3

On February 16, 2019, SSG Tyler Blake Latta passed on to be with the Lord due to unseen wounds suffered in combat in Fayetteville, NC.

He is survived by: Wife, Karen Melissa Latta; Father, Regan Latta; Mother, Carla Wheatly Jenkins; Step-Mother, Kerri Latta; Step-Father, Lee Jenkins; Brother, Derek Duncan; Sister, Denee Dimiceli; Brother-in-law, Thomas James Dimiceli; Sister, Jennifer Duncan; Sister, Brittaney Latta; Step-sister, Kayci Dougherty; Step-brother-in-law, Kevin Dougherty; Step-sister, Krislyn Glass; Step-sister, Haley Jenkins;

Grandfather, Samuel Latta; Step-Grandmother, Shirley Welch Latta; Grandfather, Carl Wheatly; Step-Grandmother, Carol Wheatly;

Uncle, Samuel Alan Latta; Aunt, Yvette Latta; Uncle, Marvin Latta; Aunt, Lisa Latta; Aunt, Gayla Holley; Uncle, Gregory Holley; Aunt, Jeana Weidner; Uncle, Lonnie Weidner; Uncle, Clebo Wheatly; Aunt, Denise Wheatly;

Nephew, Burke Avery Duncan; Niece, Brynn Elise Duncan; Nephew, Thomas James Dimiceli; Niece, Finley Kate Dimiceli; Nephew, Max Ryland Dimiceli; Step-Nephew, Greyson Dougherty;

Cousin, Dr. Summer Joy Okimoto & Husband Paul Okimoto; Cousin, Zane Latta & Wife Jaime Latta; Cousin, Melodi Latta; Cousin, Meghan Nauck; Cousin, Benjamin Latta; Cousin, Angela Mooney & Husband Sean Mooney; Cousin, Brenton Weidner; Cousin, Clark Weidner; Cousin, Mason Weidner; Cousin, Joey Wheatly; Cousin, Kristin Eachus & Husband Brian Eachus;

Step-Grandfather, Jerry Gilmer; Step-Grandmother, Cathy Gilmer; Step-Aunt, Kristi Ulry;

Mother-in-law, Claudia Gallegos; Step-Father-in-law, Darvin Gallegos; Father-in-Law, Baltazar Murillo; Step-Mother-in-law, Isabel Murillo; Sister-in-law, Ivis Gallegos; Sister-in-law, Nathaly Gallegos; Step-Sister-in-law, Dulce Giron & Husband Javier Giron; Step-Sister-in-law, Irene Mendez; Step-Brother-in-law, Carlos Mendez.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Latta Family Fund.