John Keith (JK) Latham, 85 of Gaithersburg, MD formally of California, MD died on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at the Shady Grove Hospital in Rockville, MD.

Born in Clements, Maryland he was the son of the late William Mark Latham and Helen Wilhelmina Graves Latham.

JK served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He had retired from C & P Telephone Company after 37 years of service. JK was married for 47 years to Christine Haight Latham, who proceeded him in death in July 17, 2002.

He survived by a daughter Nora Latham Vandevender of Lakeland, FL and a son Larry M. Latham of Gaithersburg, MD, a sister, Judy Latham Abell of Alexandra, VA, brother, William Mark Latham, Jr. of Woodbridge, VA. Also survived by a grandson, Michael Kopel 11 of Plant City, FL and granddaughter, Felicia a Vandevender and two great grandsons Justin Bean and Brayden M. Kopel; several nieces, nephews and special friends.

Family will receive friends for JK's Life Celebration on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD where service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Stephen Updegrave, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Lexington Park, MD will officiate.

Interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Arrangements provided by Brinsfield Funeral Home.