John Edward Latham, 72, of Chaptico, MD, died peacefully on Friday, April 6, 2012, at the Hospice House of St. Mary's in Callaway, MD, after a lengthy and courageous struggle with cancer. Born on July 3, 1939, he was the son of the late James Leonard Latham and Maude Elizabeth (Russell) Latham of Chaptico, MD.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Evelyn Carolyn Latham, and his brother, Joseph Leonard Latham.

John was a loving father, a wonderful grandfather and brother. He will fondly be remembered for his love of family, his sense of humor and contagious smile he had for everyone he met. He will also be remembered for his love of car racing and many winning moments at the Budd's Creek Raceway. In his younger years, he built and raced his car named "Latham's Toy." He passed the love of racing on to his children and spent many Friday nights at the track proudly watching his sons carry on his legacy. He will also be remembered by many for his lucky hand at playing cards and shooting pool throughout the county. He was a member of the Elk's Lodge and the Mechanicsville Moose Lodge.

He is survived by his children, Lois A. Doyle of Mechanicsville, MD, Lisa A. Latham (Clarence Lawrence) of Mechanicsville, MD, Judy A. Freeman of Essex County, Va., John M. Latham (Tammy) of Chaptico, MD, J. Michael Latham (Kim) of Chaptico, MD, and stepchildren, David C. Richards (Judy) of Chaptico, MD, Robert P. Richards (Judy) of Waldorf, MD, Steven D. Jones (Danette) of Waldorf, MD, and Sally M. Jones-Gray (Johnny) of Hollywood, MD.

John is also survived by his siblings, James M. Latham (Dolly), Francis A. Latham, Eugene Latham, Joyce Sandidge, Irvin Latham (Sarah), Lorraine Okrie (Len), Dee Latham and Margie Hicks, as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends for John's Life Celebration on Wednesday, April 11, 2012, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. with prayers recited at 7:00 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, April 12, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 23080 Maddox Road, Bushwood, MD.

Interment will follow in the Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Bushwood, MD.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice House of St. Mary's , P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 or Cedar Lane Apts., 22680 Cedar Lane Rd., Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A. Leonardtown, MD.