Area Obituaries
On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, Reverend M. Joseph Latson went to be with his Lord. He was surrounded by love in the comfort of home in Mattoon. He was born January 11, 1940, in Hammond, IN to Burt Latson and his wife Betty (Shick) Latson Phillips. On October 27, 1961, Joe married Ruth McCullough in the Free Methodist Church of Bridgeport. She preceded him in death April 8, 2015. Following high school graduation, Joe served in the United States Army from 1963 until 1965. He continued his service in the Army Reserves from 1965 through 1969. He then worked in Office Management for Victor Dana in Robinson. He followed his passion for the Lord and served for more than 42 years as a Free Methodist Church Minister. During that time, his church ministry included serving as Pastor at the Island Free Methodist Church, Bridgeport Free Methodist Church, Bradbury Free Methodist Church, Danville Free Methodist Church, and the Neoga Free Methodist Church. The lives he touched will forever be changed for the better. Joe was a big personality with a love for the Lord. His family was incredibly important to him, was a servant to helping others, enjoyed photography, and a collector of all things and trinkets M;M. Those who know him never knew him to not have on a necktie or a camera in hand. To know him was to truly love and appreciate him. Surviving family includes: three daughters- Rhonda Latson of Mattoon; Kimberly York and husband Bob of Greenwood, IN; and Tina Thompson and husband Brandon of Mattoon: six grandchildren- Nathan York and wife Chelsea of Indianapolis, IN; Ryan York of Greenwood, IN; Kourtney York of Jacksonville, FL; Brina Thompson of Mattoon; Bradon Thompson of Mattoon; and Brinton Thompson of Mattoon: and brother-in-law- David McCullough and wife Rachel of Tuscola. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife. A visitation will be held at the Neoga Free Methodist Church on Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Then a visitation will be held Monday, May 8, 2023, at the Free Methodist Church in Bridgeport from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will take place in Bridgeport City Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Kidney Fund directly at www.kidneyfund.org or through the funeral home. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.cunninghamfuneralhomes.com.
