Marion Eugene Lattin, 95, of Downs, died February 4, 2014 at Golden Living Center in Downs. He was born January 21, 1919, north of Portis, Kansas, where he attended school. He was the son of Clarence Herbert Lattin of Mitchell County and Althea Ellen Gift Lattin of Smith Center. He was preceded in death by sisters: Velma May North, Lera Lillian Grieve, Carol Althea Papeman, and brothers: Harold Albert Lattin, Clarence Leo Lattin, John Wesley Lattin and Herbert Gift Lattin.
He is survived by his first wife, Alice Worley Gillespie of Salina, and was preceded in death by his second wife, Elizabeth Ronzone Lattin, and his third wife, Virginia Thacker Lattin. He is survived by a daughter and two sons: Vicky Ann Van Liew of Salina, Christopher Lattin of Reva, Virginia, and Michael A. Lattin, CW4, U.S. Army Ret., of Aberdeen, Maryland. He is also survived by six grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
Mr. Lattin served in WW II with the 85th Infantry Division and the 803rd Tank Destroyer Battalion. He went to school on the GI Bill in auto body repair and built his own business, Lattin's Repair Shop, in Bradenton, Florida.
He returned to Downs, Kansas in 1996 and was still working on cars into his 90's. He was an active member of the Methodist Church, Downs Senior Center, Downs VFW Post 1366, and former member of the Beloit VFW.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Downs, KS. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Methodist Church. Domoney Funeral Home, Downs, KS is in charge of arrangements.