Bill Lathrop, Sr.

Bill Ray Lathrop, Sr. passed away peacefully at home on October 29, 2016. He moved to his heavenly home surrounded by his children and their families. Bill was born on October 12, 1929 in Ardmore, Oklahoma to Russell and Ernestine Lathrop. He was the 3rd of 4 children. He enjoyed the western way of life that Oklahoma presented him. He worked as a cowboy on ranches in the Ardmore area growing up. After graduating High School, he began his career in the oilfields of Oklahoma. He also enjoyed participating in rodeos as a bronc rider. In 1954, Bill met and fell in love with Rita Jo Pratt. In his early thirties, he began his career in the construction equipment industry as a salesman, which led him and his family to South Texas. He spent his life selling trucks and construction equipment and never retired. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of more than 55 years, Rita Jo Lathrop. His parents, Russell and Ernestine Lathrop, his sister, Janie Joiner and his nephew Mike Lathrop. Bill will be dearly missed by his children, Becky (C.W.) Raetszch of San Antonio, Tina (Lowell) Tucker of Pleasanton, Texas and Bill (Cathy) Lathrop, Jr of Corpus Christi. He is survived by his older brother Russell Lathrop of Oklahoma City and his younger brother Bob (Barbara) Lathrop of Allen, Texas. He also leaves behind 8 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild and many nieces, nephews and relatives. Bill enjoyed visiting with his friends over coffee and he never met a stranger. He enjoyed watching football and taking a Sunday drive. Bill loved to work and enjoyed the thrill of making a deal. He was known as "Big Bill" to many, and he sure had big personality. He never ran out of stories and jokes and he never took life too seriously. Bill was as tough as they come. He loved well and he was well loved. Visitation with the family will be on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Calallen Baptist Church, 13505 IH 37, Corpus Christi, TX 78410. Funeral Services will be conducted on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at 10 a.m. at Calallen Baptist Church with Bill Lathrop, Jr. officiating. Graveside services will be held on Friday, November 4 at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Hugo, Oklahoma. Honorary Pallbearers are Chris Baugh, Jerry Elliott, Aaron Endris, Jerry Lopez, Rickey McCain and David Tucker.