Joseph "Joe" Latas
January 14, 1930 ~ November 29, 2021
Joseph “Joe” Latas passed away on Monday, November 29, 2021. He was born on January 14, 1930 in Kansas City, Kansas. Joe attended Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, where he enjoyed playing basketball while earning his degree in 1952. After graduation, he married his lifetime love and moved to Wichita, Kansas, where he began his very successful and highly respected career at Cessna Aircraft Company, retiring in 2002 after more than 50 years. Joe will be fondly remembered for his thoughtfulness and generosity, kind-hearted friendly nature and ability to see things from a different perspective.
He is survived by daughters, Karen J. Latas of Wichita, KS, and Nancy J. Latas of Overland Park, KS; and a multitude of beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Marjorie “Marge” Harshbarger Latas in 2010; his daughter, Janet K. Latas Mitchell in 1984; his parents, Mile and Sophia (Dokmanovich) Latas; and his siblings, Mary Denonovich, Milica Latas, Nick Latas, Eli Latas, Mildred Hanlan, Robert "Bud" Latas, George Latas, Mike Latas Jr., Angeline “Angie” Hinkle.
A memorial service will be held at a future date. Memorial gifts may be made to Washburn University Foundation, 1723 SW MacVicar Ave., Topeka, KS 66604. Gifts will be directed to the Joseph and Marjorie Harshbarger Latas Scholarship. Memorial gifts may also be made to Wichita United Church of Christ, 5200 E. 31st St. S., Wichita, KS 67210. Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.
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Dear Joe’s family, My name is Bill Strumillo and I played on the 1948 basketball team with Joe. We had some very nice times on the basketball trips. Joe had a black and white checkered convertible that Bob Sambol, Joe and myself had fun riding around town. Eli was our ice man when I was a kid.Please accept my sympathy and blessings to you all. Sincerely, Bill Strumillo K.C.K.
Harold Walter I have known Joe since Joe was in Cessna flight test and I in the Research Dept. Our desks were adjacent. We became very good friends. Later, we lived in San Diego and Joe flew a Cessna 182 there. He was there for work,, and we enjoyed a couple of evenings together. Joe’s English is very good. As Vice President and an Editor, his value was well received. There is much more, but will sign off. Joe was an especially good friend, and he will be greatly missed. I enjoyed our phone conversations. Harold Walter.