Russell Joe Lathrop, Jr.
YUKON - Russell Joe Lathrop Jr. completed his time in this world on September 18, 2021 after a short but valiant battle against illness; his legacy and memory will always live on in the hearts and minds of his family and friends. Russell Joe Lathrop Jr. was born in Oklahoma City on July 14, 1956 to Russell Joe Sr. and Lois Jean Balch Lathrop. When he was a young boy, the family moved to Rapid City, SD where his lifelong love of the outdoors and nature began. Russell graduated from Putnam City High School in 1974 and joined the U.S. Navy, serving honorably on the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal. He inherited his father’s love for aviation and spent the majority of his 39-year U.S. Air Force civil-service career at Tinker AFB (OK) and Hill AFB (UT); he was also at Royal Netherlands AF Woensdrecht (NL) for a short period. Russell served in several skills, most recently as an Aircraft Electrician on the KC-135 where he was an exceptional electrician with great knowledge of complex electrical components, excelled in all phases of electrical gates of the KC-135, and was often called upon to help other mechanics. Russ was selected to serve on a number of special projects during his career including ones that decommissioned the last SR-71 Blackbird and last F4-G Phantom “Wild Weasel” at Hill AFB (UT) and another that developed and ran the KC135 landing gear harness shop at Tinker AFB (OK). He was knowledgeable on a wide variety of aircraft and developed the uncanny ability to identify numerous aircraft make and models when hearing them fly.
Russell worked hard, always found a way to help others, loved life and lived his honorably. He had many family and friends who respected him for his knowledge, work ethic, dedication, and loyalty. His hobbies and passions always included working with his hands (one of his most celebrated moments being the building of his family home in Mt. Green, UT) and being in the outdoors and nature: birdwatching, backpacking the Uintah and Wasatch Mountain trails, camping, and fishing. Russ enjoyed studying history, the American West, Civil War, genealogy, and Native American music and culture.
Russell’s greatest love and achievement was his family which he tirelessly led with strength and kindness. He met and married his best friend and the love of his life, DeAnn Thurgood Haggin in 1982. Together they had one son, Cody Dean (Tessa) Lathrop of Elizabethtown, KY and one daughter, Kelsey Jean Lathrop of Yukon, OK. Russ fulfilled the admired role of “Opa” to his five granddaughters: Adaly Belle, Ella Anne, Evelyn Jo, Rose Lucille, and Aidyn Kayte Lathrop. His wife, children, and dear granddaughters and their accomplishments brought Russ his greatest pride and joy.
Russell Jr. was preceded in death by his parents, Russell Sr. and Lois Lathrop. He is survived by other beloved family including his sister, Jan ( Walter) Smith of Glen Rose, TX; nephew, Jason (Carmen) Csizmadia of Mustang, OK; niece, Jamie (Michael) Thornhill of Iquitos, Peru; uncles, aunts, and many cousins.
Visitation will be Thursday, September 23, 9am-8pm (family will be present 6-7:30pm), and Service at 10am Friday, September 24 at Mercer-Adams Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Oklahoma City.
They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death is but crossing the world, as friends do seas; they live in one another still. – William Penn
To watch the live stream service or share condolences, visit www.mercer-adams.com