Kenneth Lamont Latham

Kenneth Lamont Latham (“Humbug”) was born in Columbus, Ohio on July 11, 1948 to Harley and Dorothy Mae (Davis) Latham. Ken graduated from South High School in 1967 where he excelled in many things; specifically, sports. Ken attended both THE Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College and graduated from the latter. Ken served in the United States Army and fought valiantly in the Vietnam War. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. That time left a tremendous impact on him. He returned home at a time when there was much division in our country, and Vietnam War veterans were not honored as they should have been. However, he was proud to have served his country. Before and after serving in the US Army, Ken was a member of many musical groups and had a very successful singing career spanning many decades with the following: The Royal Esquires; The Segments of Time; The Four Mints; Franchise; New Beginning, and Kenny Latham and Friends, among others. He performed with these groups locally and across the country. Ken was very active in the Columbus community in many capacities. In the 70s and 80s, he served on the local board of the NAACP. A strong proponent of civic duty, Ken also served as a poll worker for the Franklin County Board of Elections for over 25 years. Ken had many jobs in his youth and took great joy in telling the story of how, in his younger days, he quit many jobs in pursuit of his singing career. He finally landed, as he would say, his first “real job” at the US Post Office and worked there many years. Next, he began working for the State of Ohio, Bureau of Workers’ Compensation where he was instrumental in the foundational work at the J. Leonard Camera Rehabilitation Center. He also served as a proud union steward during this time. After a very successful career at BWC, he began his position as a Policy Analyst for the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC). “Passion” and “Drive” are words that best describe Ken in his life and work. When Ken arrived at the Council, his work included helping the unserved and underserved communities. Ken had a sincere heart for those “forgotten” by others. Ken’s project, the Reach Out e-Diversity newsletter, placed Ohio’s Council in the national spotlight. When it was rare to hear about cultural competency and implicit bias, the newsletter addressed these issues in a way that was bold and enlightening—just like Ken. He has never “officially” retired because of said passion. Ken was a proud “South-Sider”, a Bulldog if you will, and had many life-long friendships from his early days there. He would always say how he had no idea how he ended up on the north side. However, there, he recommitted his life to Jesus. Having been baptized at Bible Way Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, he later joined Living Faith Apostolic Church under the pastorate of Bishop Edgar A. Posey. During his time at Living Faith, Ken was a member of New Beginning and the Mass Choir where he led many of the choir’s favorites. Ken also taught the teen Sunday School class for almost 20 years and enjoyed working with the young people. At Living Faith is where he met and married Patricia A. Hollingsworth. Ken’s children were the light of his life. He was the proud father of six children. Kristine, Kendal, Kevin, Kendra, Kailey, and Kennedy. Some of his happiest moments were when they gathered, and he had the opportunity to “pry” into their lives—sometimes to their dismay. One of his joys was to guide them with “Godfather” quotes. Ken’s greatest desires were to be a great husband and provider, a great father, and a great friend—he was the epitome of each of these. Ken is preceded in death by his father and mother, Harley and Dorothy Mae (Davis) Latham; brothers, Arnold “Ike” Latham and Harley Latham Jr; sister, Geraldine Bolden. He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife, Patricia A. Latham; Sons, Kendal (India) Latham, Kevin (Keli) Latham; Daughters, Kristine Buchanan, Kendra Latham, Kailey Latham, and Kennedy Latham; Sister, Patricia Penn; Special Niece, Denice (James) White; Godchildren, Whitnee Jackson, Taylor Tanksley, and Trè Walker; Brother-in-law, William Bolden; Sister-in-law, Helen Glaze; Grandchildren, Kerrington, Keenan, Kearsten, Karis, and Kohen; and Great-granddaughter, Amora; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; so many close friends, and the Living Faith Apostolic Church Family.