Birth date: May 25, 1938 Death date: Oct 27, 2025
In loving memory Robert (Bob) J. Latshaw, Sr. May 25, 1938 - October 27, 2025 "Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in All We Do. - U.S. Air Force Motto Robert J. Latshaw, Sr. passed away peacefully on October 27, Read Obituary
From David Nicholas -
Growing up, Mr. Latshaw had a lasting impact on me. I vividly remember the day I met him. I was a teenager playing outside with my friend Bill Green when we noticed Lori and Sheila walking down the street. We spoke to them, walked them home, and continued talking while sitting on their front porch. Our conversation, however, was interrupted when an unfamiliar car pulled into the driveway-and out stepped Mr. Latshaw. Judging by Lori and Sheila's reactions and the look on Mr. Latshaw's face, it was clear that Bill and I were in the wrong place. We quickly said our goodbyes and the girls hurried in the house and Bill and I started walking home. As we passed Mr. Latshaw, he looked at us and with one word expressed his displeasure. He didn't yell or curse or do anything I would have expected at the time. He simply said "Boys". With that one word, he acknowledged us while making his point perfectly clear. I had no idea that moment would be the foundation of a relationship and a mentorship that would shape me as a young man. I can't count the number of times he was there for me: the many mornings and evenings he stopped by to take me to church, the countless youth events he drove us to and the conversations he always made time for. He was someone I looked up to, and his example helped shaped the person I became. I will always be grateful for those memories and for the warmth and respect he showed everyone around him. He truly made a difference in my life and in the life of so many others.
There are so many things I could write about, but what I want everyone to know most is this: you were a good father. Growing up in a military household meant there were rules—and when we broke them, we learned the consequences right away. Now I see how those boundaries shaped me and gave me steadiness.
You were always present: cheering from the sidelines at our cheerleading events, working the concession stand. You made clear rules about makeup and earrings—nothing until the magic age of sixteen—and if there was a boy in the picture he better be ready to explain where we were going. Those rules felt strict then, and now I’m grateful they came from love.
As an adult, one of the sweetest things to watch was you become Grandpa. You were just as active at your grandkids' soccer and baseball games. You bought far more Girl Scout cookies than any one family needed (Zoe was thrilled), and your quiet presence made holidays feel warm while Grandma played games with the kids. We always looked forward to the Sailor Circus-taking the kids so they could see what you loved to do when you were younger - a roustabout (of course we had to look that up because had no idea of the what that was at the time). You loved Sarasota and wanted them to see how you were involved in the circus at a young age. I watched how you were so proud of Michael when he completed Flyca. You definitely softened—those grandkids got away with a lot more than we did as kids—and it was a joy to see them want to call you and spend time with you. You loved them the moment they became part of our family.
Thank you for instilling values, discipline, and structure—and for showing your love in so many steady, everyday ways. I am a product of your care, and I will carry your lessons with me always.
Thank you for always being there. I’ll never forget you at my Dr. Dolittle and The Lion King plays, smiling and celebrating my performance as if it were the best show you’d ever seen. You came to my Christmas musical, too, and I still have the video of you opening your gifts—one of my favorite little moments on tape. One of the strongest memories I have is the night we stayed at your house by the lake when the hurricane was coming. Even though we were scared, we played checkers and laughed and felt safe because we were together. And every year, no matter what, you remembered my birthday and called to wish me well. Your steady presence in those big and small moments taught me what family means: showing up, making time, and celebrating each other. I’ll carry those lessons with me always. I love you, Grandpa, and I’ll miss you every day.
Love, Zach
every single phone call with my grandpa he would end it with saying I love you lil girl, he was always joking around with me about everything, I could tell him anything and he would be there to listen, he showed up for every thing he was able to, he lit up every room he walked into, I appreciate him so much more than he could ever know
