Billy Lynn Latta

Billy (Bill) Lynn Latta, Age 75, of Napoleon, Ohio died Saturday, February 24, 2018. The son of Wallace J and Denelda (Wolf) Latta, he was born December 9, 1942, in Napoleon, Ohio. Bill graduated in the Class of 1960 of the Napoleon High School. While working at the family owned Rink Restaurant in Napoleon, Ohio, he met a young woman named Susan VanPoppel, whom he married on March 27, 1965. Billy attended Bowling Green State University and The Ohio State University graduating with a bachelor of science in Pharmacy in 1965 and obtained his registration in 1966. He was a registered pharmacist over 50 years working in retail pharmacy. Most notably, Bill was a co-owner of the Gilbert Herr Drug Store in Napoleon, Ohio later working at various retail pharmacies in Fulton County, Ohio. He retired from full time employment in 2010 however, continued to work part time for several more years. He is a member of the American Pharmacists Association, Maumee Valley Academy of Pharmacy, Pharmacists for Life (Pro-Life Organization), and Ohio Pharmacists Association A devout catholic, Billy is a former parishioner of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Napoleon and more recently a parishioner of St. Caspar Catholic Church in Wauseon, Ohio. Bill devoted his life to religious education both as a student and teacher. He graduated from the Toledo Diocese Ministry Formation Program in 1990 and Loyola University (M.R.E.) Master of Religious Education in 2000; he also served as a Ministry Formation Program Facilitator for the Toledo Diocese. Through his work in the Catholic Church, he has touched the lives of many people for over 30 years as a team member and Director of R.C.I.A. at both St. Augustine and St. Caspar. Bill presented many adult education/formation programs and retreats at St. Caspar and he is a member of the Knights of Columbus. Bill’s other ambitions included work in Genealogy. He owned and operated the Gibbs Publishing which provided genealogist the forms and resources needed to complete their work. The research of his own family history provided Ohio Genealogical Society First Families of Ohio (Proven Ancestor in Ohio by 1820); Settlers Builders of Ohio (Proven Ancestor in Ohio by 1860); Society of Civil War Families of Ohio (5 ancestors were Union soldiers); and First Families of Henry County (Proven Ancestor in Henry County by 1870). He is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution (S.A.R.) and Henry County Genealogical Society. In retirement years, he also served as a volunteer with Henry County Medical Reserve Corps and enjoyed playing Bridge throughout northwest Ohio, and is a member of the American Contract Bridge League. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 51 years and parents. He is survived by children, Michael, David (Sarah), Philip, Peter and Kimberly Latta; grandchildren:, Alexander, Allison, Brianna, Andrew, Amanda, Isaac, Elizabeth, Marcus, Madalen, Josalyn, Myles; siblings, Brenda (Ralph) Badenhop, Roger (Cindy) Latta, Barbara (Mike) Miller and numerous nieces and nephews. Friends may visit the family on Monday, March 5, 2018, from 2 to 8 p.m. with a S.A.R. ceremony at 5:30 p.m. and a scripture service at 7:00 p.m. at St. Casper Catholic Church 1205 N. Shoop Ave. Wauseon, Ohio 43567. The family will receive friends again on Tuesday, March 6, 2018, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at St. Casper Catholic Church where a funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., with Fr. Dave Bruning and Fr. Fred Duschl officiating. Interment will be at the St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider The Coming Home Network International, P.O.Box 8290, Zanesville, OH 43702; St. Caspar Parish; the American Diabetes Association; and the Wounded Warrior Project. The Family would like to thank all the Medical Staff of the Cleveland Clinic who dedicated themselves to the compassionate care of Billy over the last 8 years, as well as Dr. Joseph Krueger and recently North Crest Nursing Home, Napoleon, Ohio; and Southern Care Hospice Services who comforted Billy in his final days.