Bobby Lathrop

Bobby Gerald Lathrop, of Ward, South Carolina, was a man whose life was the embodiment of dedication, loyalty, and ambition. Born on April 28, 1940, in Newberry, South Carolina, Bobby's life was a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and an unwavering love for his country. As the author Og Mandino once said, "Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later." Bobby planted seeds of dedication and service throughout his life, and the harvest was a life full of meaning and purpose.

Bobby's journey began after graduating high school in June of 1958. Fueled by his ambition, he joined the United States Navy in August the same year, shaping the course of his life and setting a beacon for his future. After serving his country for an incredible 24 years, Bobby retired from the Navy. His dedication did not end there; he then pursued his master's degree in Education in 1986, a testament to his thirst for knowledge and growth. His intelligence was not only academic but also rooted in wisdom and understanding, making him a beacon of guidance for those who knew him.

Bobby's life was not just about achievements; it was about people, about love, about commitment. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Reta Lathrop, and a loving father to his children, Dennis Susan), Bobby Susie), and Rhonda (Brent). His family was his pride and joy, and he leaves behind a legacy of love with his ten grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus Lathrop and Carolyn Turner. Each person in Bobby's life was profoundly impacted by his loyalty and dedication, his love for his family echoing in their lives.

A celebration of Bobby Lathrop's life will be held on Saturday, 10 Jan 2026, at 1:30pm MST, at Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory, located at 21 Riviera Boulevard, Lake Havasu City, Arizona, 86403. We invite all who knew Bobby to attend, to remember, and to celebrate the remarkable life of this dedicated man. Please feel encouraged to leave your memories of Bobby and upload photos to his memorial page, to honor a life lived with purpose and love.