OZARK…Mr. Morris R. Lattimore, Jr. (Colonel, United States Army, Retired), a resident of Ozark, died early Tuesday afternoon, May 12, 2026, at his home. He was 76.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church with Father Chris Boutin officiating. Full Military honors will be given immediately following the services. The family will receive friends following the service. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Lattimore, the son of the late Morris Robert Lattimore, Sr. and Elaine Wood Lattimore, was born and raised in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, a place he always carried with him in spirit. After graduating from LaCrosse High School, he went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1972.
In 1973, he began what would become a lifelong commitment to service by joining the United States Army Reserve. His dedication to learning and helping others led him to the Illinois College of Optometry, where he graduated in 1976. Soon after, he entered active duty with the United States Army, beginning a distinguished military career that spanned decades and took him around the world. He retired in 2005 with the rank of Colonel, a reflection of both his leadership and his deep sense of duty.
Never one to stop learning, he earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Physiological Optics from the University of Houston in 1987. After retiring from the Army, he continued serving in another way—this time as a Civil Service employee at Fort Rucker. There, he worked as the Deputy Commander of the United States Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory, a role he held with pride until his final retirement in 2020.
Outside of his professional life, Mr. Lattimore found joy in simple, peaceful moments. He loved spending time in his yard, tending to the outdoors with the same care he gave to everything in his life. The beach was another place he cherished—a spot where he could relax, breathe, and enjoy the beauty around him. He was a faithful member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ozark, where he found community and comfort.
Above all, he was a devoted father, and he carried the memory of his daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Lattimore, who preceded him in death, close to his heart. Those who knew him will remember his quiet strength, his dedication, and the gentle way he moved through the world. His life was one of service, learning, and love, and he leaves behind a legacy that will be felt for years to come.
Surviving relatives include his wife of fifty-years, Carol J. Gardner Lattimore, Ozark; sister, Cynthia Rife (John), Crossville, Tennessee; brother, James Lattimore (Tammy), Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
You may sign a guest register at www.fuquabankston.com
