Donald Lathrop

Donald E. Lathrop, 66, of Clinton, died Wednesday at his home. Services will be 1:00pm Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at the Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Home and Crematory with retired Salvation Army officer Mary Justuig officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 11:00am until the service hour. Cremation will follow the service. Honorary pallbearers will be David Lathrop, Jr., Shane Lathrop, Marty Lathrop, Josh Lathrop, Bill Otto, and Tom Otto. Don was born October 28, 1941 in Clinton, Iowa to Marion Roosevelt and Alfrieda Martha (Otto) Lathrop. He attended the Clinton schools and was especially proud of having attended Longfellow school. Having to leave school in his early teens due to family hardship, Don nevertheless persisted and received his GED in 1985. Don was married to Penny Shepard in 1966. He worked at various local industries in Clinton until his disability forced him into early retirement. Don was a free-thinker, attending various houses of worship including the Salvation Army, where every Christmas for many years he could be seen ringing bells. His lifes enjoyments were Karaoke music (especially 50s), movies, and having coffee while visiting his friends at Hy-Vee, ever ready with a smile and hello for everyone. He was an avid Cubs, Hawkeye, and Bears fan. He loved to fish and in the past year, ride the downtown in his hover mobile with his sidekick since early childhood, Kenny Heath, who passed away at summers end. Don is survived by a son, Kirk Lathrop of Moab, Utah; a daughter, Lori Lathrop of Clinton; brothers, Bill of Irving, Texas; David of Clinton; Marvin of North Little Rock, Arkansas, and Paul of Madison, Wisconsin; sisters, Mary St John of Clinton; Beverly Edwards of Clinton, and Penny McBee of Moline, Illinois. He is survived by three grandchildren, Zack Lathrop of Moab, Utah; Shane Lathrop of Clinton, and Nicky Beaman of Clinton. One great-grandchild, Brad of Clinton. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and many others who will all miss their Uncle Don. He was preceded in death by his loving grandparents, parents, and one brother. Memorials may be left to the family. Online condolences may be left at www.snellzornig.com.

Donald Lathrop

October 28, 1941 - December 12, 2007