Earl Joker Jones Latta

Earl "Joker" Jones Latta, 90, died at home on Monday, December 6, 2010. Earl was born in Orange County, NC to the late Shellie and Melvin Latta on June 24, 1920. He was preceded ineeath by his wife of 31 years, Muriel Latta. After her death in 1974 he was married to Mabel Gentry for 21 years until her death in 1995. Earl lived life to the fullest and was known for many accomplishments. Mr. Latta was a veteran of World War II who proudly served his country in the US Army from 1942-1945. He was the owner and operator of Earl J. Latta Grading Company for 49 years. Earl also loved to travel and was very fond of Alaska. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family. Mr. Latta is survived by sons: Butch Latta and wife Judy of Durham, Don Latta, and; daughter Ann Pope of Durham; and son Steve Latta and wife Paula of Myrtle Beach, SC; brother Billy Latta and wife Lucille of Westerly, Rhode Island; and six grandchildren. The family would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to his primary caregiver, Mr. Allen Coard. For the past 3 years he has given our dad loving care aneenabled him to stay at home which is truly the place he was happiest. Flowers are acceptable or memorial contributions canee made in Earl's nee to ALS Association, 120-101 Penmarc Dr., Raleigh NC, 27603 or Pleasant Green Uneed Methodist Church, 3005 Pleasant Green Rd., Durham, NC 27705. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 11 AM from Pleasant Green Uneed Methodist Church, 3005 Pleasant Green Rd., Durham. The service will be officiated by Brian Wingo and Norma Walters. Burial will immediately follow in the Pleasant Green Uneed Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive guests one hour prior to the service from 10 AM to 11 AM. On-line memorials: www.hallwynne.com. Select obituaries.