Charles Latham, Sr.

Charles Latham Sr., 87 passed away on February 20, 2026.

Charles “Brooks” Latham was born on June 4, 1938, in Russellville, AR to Andrew Jackson and Annie Mae (Bone) Latham. He was the tenth of twelve children.

He joined the US Air Force in 1955, serving at numerous locations including Fairbanks, AK and Shilling Air Force base in Salina, Ks. This would be where he met his future wife, Bonnie Searle. They were joined in marriage on November 9, 1956. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Bonnie after 56 years of marriage.

Charles is survived by their children, Diana (Mike) Knudson of rural Abilene, Ks, Charles Jr. (Melinda) of Beloit, Ks, Larry (Joyce) of rural Abilene, Ks., and Karen Lanoue of Salina. A brother Bobby (Vickie) Latham, of London, AR and brother-in-law Harry (Butch) Searle of Salina also survives. Grandchildren include Josh (Jaci) Latham, Jessy (Travis) Coffield, Cody Knudson, Rachel (Scott) Pfannenstiel, Emily (Luke) Williams, Jacob (Leah) Latham, Caden Vahle and Kyler Vahle, along with twelve great grandchildren.

Charles and Bonnie were long-time residents of the Salina Kansas area, but Charles was always an Arkansan at heart. He was able to return to Arkansas after Bonnie’s death to spend a few final years around family and friends.

Due to health issues, he returned to Kansas where he was a resident of Hilltop Nursing Home in Beloit.

Per his request, cremation has taken place. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. Charles will be laid to rest beside his loving wife at the Gypsum Hill cemetery in Salina, Ks.