Charles H. Latham

Charles Horace Latham (Chuck / Charley) age 80 of Derby, Kansas passed away at home on Tuesday October 17, 2023.

Chuck was born June 29, 1943 to Horace (HB / Buster) and Leone (Crouch) Latham in Bomarton, Texas. They soon moved to Goree, Texas where Chuck started 1st grade and later graduated from Goree High School in 1961. Sports was the love of his life at this time, and he always said how fortunate he was to have great coaching as well as caring and talented teachers throughout these school years.

After graduation from High School Chuck went to work in the “oil patch” in west Texas. He also went to school at South Plains College for one year before enlisting in the United States Army, January 1963. During his time in the Army, he spent 1 year in Vietnam 1968 – 1969. Chuck was awarded the Army Commendation Medal in February 1969 and returned stateside on April 5, 1969. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant E-6 at Oakland Army Terminal and then returned home to Oklahoma. His full time of service was 6 years and 3 months.

Education was always important to Chuck and after his discharge from the Army he focused on attaining his bachelor’s degree with a major in marketing and a minor in history from Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma. He was devoted to his family working full time to support them while attaining his degree.

From his early years of exposure to the oil patch it is fair to say the oil and gas industry was in his blood. Chuck started working for Magcobar, a division of Dresser Industries, out of Oklahoma City in the early 1970’s. He re-located in Enid, Oklahoma for a few years, before coming to Wichita, Kansas in 1979. Magcobar / Maverick Mud / Baker Hughes / Hughes Drilling Fluids and Mud-Co/Service Mud, Inc were all companies he was involved with during his 50 plus year career. The last 23 years of his career with Mud-Co were some of the best.

Aside from his devotion to the companies he worked for and his customers / friends in the industry Chuck was a man of faith and loved his family. From the early years of tent camping to having a home at Table Rock Lake, he treasured the time and memories made when family was together.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents Buster and Leone Latham, his father in-law and mother in-law Bob and Neva Stewart. His sister and brother in-law Myrna and Doc Murdoch.

Chuck is survived by his wife Kathy (Stewart) of 43 years and son Houston of the home. Daughter Shannon (Jim) Mouser, daughter Shelby (Maxie) Shelton all in the Oklahoma City area. Son Adam (Michelle) of Enid.

Grandchildren to their beloved PaPa, Makenzie Shelton, fiancé John Kastner Oklahoma City area. Logan Shelton, Gage Mouser both in the Oklahoma City area. Precious Gracie Mouser living with her parents Jim and Shannon. Kaleb who is in Overland Park and Josh living at home with Adam and Michelle in his final year of High School.

Sisters Linda (Jimmy) Routon and Jackie (Buster) Styles in the Wichita Falls, Texas area. Brother Dusty (Joann) Latham in Bella Vista, Arkansas.

Many nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle ChaCha dearly. Numerous cousins, other relatives and many, many dear friends.

Memorials may be given to Autism Speaks, Donate Here OR Beauties & Beasts, 114 S Pattie Wichita, KS 67211 Donate Here