Charles Lathan
Posted: April 24, 2015
![Charles Lathan](https://cdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/vskyr424201584456AM-214x300.jpg)
On April 16, 2015, God’s Angel whispered in Charles Jerome Lathan’s ear, “You’ve fought a good fight. It’s time to join your Father in Heaven.” Celebration of Life Services will be April 25, 2015, 1pm, at Benchmark Memorial Life Center followed by a Fallen Firefighter’s Parade. Rev. Brian D. Hood will be the officiant. Interment will follow in Memorial Gardens of Columbus, Inc. Visitation is April 24, 2015, from Noon to 7 pm at Benchmark Memorial Life Center. The family will receive visitors from 5-7 pm. Charles, accompanied by his twin, Carl, was born September 30, 1952, to the late Lula & Willie Hays Lathan. A sports lover, he excelled in track at Caldwell High School, garnering a track scholarship to Mary Holmes Community College. He later completed studies at East Mississippi Community College, Mississippi State University, Shelton State Community College and the Mississippi State Fire Academy, receiving numerous certifications in fire service and law enforcement. In 1978 Charles began his dream job as a firefighter with the Columbus Fire Department, becoming the department’s third Black firefighter. He soon became an advocate for all firefighters and was active in the Firefighters Union. His career spanned 22 years. He held numerous positions, ending his career as City Fire Inspector and an appointment as a representative of the State Fire Marshall. He celebrated his 62nd birthday with his retirement from the Lowndes County Juvenile Detention Center. Officer Lathan was a no-nonsense but caring person. It was his desire to touch the lives of youth in a positive manner. Charles met Brenda Hardaway (“Red” to him and his oldest friends) in 1971 and made her his bride December 11, 1973. They enjoyed 41 years of marriage. Charles and “Red” encouraged and supported each other in their pursuits and did the same for their children and grandchildren. They were best friends, and every minute of every day of his final days were spent together with him advising and she nurturing. Charles was preceded in death by his grandparents Lou Albert Egnew, Tom Porter, and Roberta Taylor and step-father, Cleveland Coleman. Memories of Charles as a loving husband, father and friend with a contagious sense of humor will forever be in the hearts of his devoted wife; daughters, Dedra Lathan of Ridgeland, MS, and Joy (DeAngelo) Lathan of Columbus, MS; sons, Raymond (Barbara) Deloach of Columbus, MS; Al (Shauntae) Miller of Ethelsville, AL; and Alonte Abrams of Alpharetta, GA; grandchildren, Altivirio Lovelace (Rosedale, MN); VaLandria Harris, Kyra Jennings, Curtis Lathan, Khadijah Sanders, and Creshaad Porter (Columbus, MS) and Karsean Petty (Ridgeland, MS); siblings, Bill (Susan) Lathan (Eastpointe, MI); Carl (Reva) Lathan (Buford, GA); Levert Lathan and Helen (Al) Hamilton (Jackson, MS); Al (Diane) Lathan (Columbus, MS) Cedric (LaTisha) Coleman and Cynthia Coleman (Sanford, FL); aunts, Ruby Harrison and Carolyn Egnew (Columbus, MS) and Mary Walker (Ashburn, VA); uncle, John Walker (Okolona, MS); and his amazing support team both before and during his illness, sister-in-law, Ouida Lathan; special cousin, Janelle Harrison; loving niece, Candy Lathan; Mother #2, Addie Austin; great friend, Tommie Hunter; and best friend, Pepper, as well as god-daughters, Jessica Jordan, Bianca Jamison, Simona Phillips, Mikea James, Courtney Jones and Jacqueline Austin; god-son, Quinton Sparks; and family and friends too numerous to name. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Tenth Street Fairlawn M. B. Church Building Fund, 1118 7th Street South, Columbus, MS 39701.