Darius W."Bill" Latch

Darius W "Bill" Latch, age 88, of Little Rock, formerly of Bismarck, passed away on September 1, 2014. He was born November 5, 1925, in Armstrong Springs, Arkansas, to Clarence and Lolen Eden Latch. Bill served as a corporal in the Marine Corps during WWII in the Pacific Campaign, and he was awarded a Navy Cross, a Silver Star, and two Purple Hearts for his valorous actions. After the war, he returned to Arkansas and earned a teaching degree from Arkansas State Teachers' College, which is now the University of Central Arkansas. Bill taught at several schools throughout the state before becoming the manager of the Arkansas Surplus Property Agency. He filled that role for over 25 years and he enjoyed each opportunity to help state facilities find the materials that they needed to best serve the citizens of Arkansas. When Bill retired in 1985, his family moved to Bismarck, Arkansas. There, he was an active member of the Bismarck United Methodist Church, serving in many capacities over the years, including church treasurer and Sunday school teacher. He loved his time at the church and counted the members there as some of his closest friends. He also served as an officer in the Hot Springs Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Bill was an avid golfer and he spent many hours on the greens of the DeGray and Caddo Creek Golf Courses. In addition, he loved to garden and enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with friends, neighbors and anyone in need. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Beth Townsend Latch; his daughter, Carol Henderson; and, three brothers: Eustice, Bob, and Adrian Latch. He is survived by three sons: Doug Latch of Conway, Steve Latch of Bismarck, and Mark Latch (Karen) of Little Rock; his daughter, Becky Latch (Jay Hudkins), of Little Rock; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and, one brother, Otha Latch of Rose Bud. Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, September 6, 2014, at Bismarck United Methodist Church in Bismarck with interment immediately following in Bismarck Cemetery. Arrangements by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas (501) 224-8300. Memorials can be made to Bismarck United Methodist Church, 7075 Arkansas 7, Bismarck, Arkansas 71929. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.