Richard J. Latham

Richard J. “Dick” Latham, age 84, formerly of Springfield and Haymarket, VA, and The Villages, FL, passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2022. Dick was the oldest of six, growing up in Washington, DC, where he attended Anacostia High School. He met and later married Sue in 1960. He was drafted in 1961 and served in the U.S. Army in Europe where he and his young bride endured many hardships as they lived on about $90/month. Despite meager wages, he and his wife toured Europe on a shoestring budget and created many unforgettable experiences they might not have been able to do otherwise. They were both forced to grow up a lot and learned how to make the best of their circumstances; a skill that served them well the rest of their lives. He returned to the U.S. in 1963 and received an honorable discharge soon after. He worked as an auto painter for the next 45 years, developing an impeccable reputation for his skill and attention to detail. He was well-known throughout the industry in the DC area. He was a huge Washington Redskins fan and long-time season ticket holder. He loved attending the games at RFK Stadium during the late 60s, 70s, 80s, and early 90s. He attended Redskins’ Super Bowls in 1972,1982, 1987, and 1992. He combined his auto painting skills with the artistic abilities of his wife and created a Redskin logo for the spare tire cover on his van. It was unique, creative, and instantly recognizable. He became a “snow bird” in 2012 splitting time between Florida and Virginia. He initially resisted the idea of living in Florida but he quickly grew to love it there, in The Villages in particular. He missed living there, and spending time with his friends an neighbors there, when he had to move back to Virginia in his later years. He had an easygoing way about him. People naturally gravitated towards him. Whether you knew him for 5 minutes, 5 years, or 5 decades, you probably loved him. He didn’t have a mean bone in his body and he was always there when you needed him. He played tennis in his early adult years and enjoyed golf in his golden years. He was the primary caregiver for his wife, Sue, as she courageously fought stage 4 cancer for 3 years at the end of her life. He was there for her every step of the way through every treatment, every test, every up and every down. Her passing in 2020 was devastating for him and her illness and untimely death took a lot out of him. He loved her with all of his being. After Sue’s passing, he needed help, but never asked for it. He was quick to tell others to travel while they could and not let his circumstances prevent them from living their lives. Many people say they don’t want to be a burden; Dick really meant it. He was a truly selfless servant and a faithful follower of Christ. He attended Park Valley Church in Haymarket, VA, where he loved serving. He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 60 years Sue, his parents Richard and Helen, and his brothers Thomas (“Tonk”) and Frank. Dick was survived by his son Rich, daughter-in-law Kim, grandchildren Jordan and Brad, and his sisters Helen, JoAnna, and Joy, as well as many nieces and nephews. A visitation for Dick will be held Friday, November 11, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151. A celebration of life service will follow from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Those who knew him will be invited to share a memory. A graveside service will occur Friday, November 11, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Fairfax Memorial Park, 9900 Braddock Rd, Fairfax, VA 22032. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.demainefunerals.com for the Latham family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to Park Valley Church (https://www.parkvalleychurch.com/giving).