Obituary for Alton Jones Latchum Jr.

Alton Jones Latchum, Jr

Alton Jones Latchum Jr. died suddenly on Jan. 23, 2022, at the Bayhealth Hospital in Dover, Del. He was born in Salisbury, Md. on April 28, 1941, to Alton Jones Latchum Sr. and Edna Lucile Latchum Taylor; and his stepfather, John M. Taylor. Latchum graduated from South Hagerstown High School in 1959. He proceeded to earn an associate degree from Hagerstown Community College in 1961. 

Latchum spent his young adult years as a lifeguard on the beach at Ocean City, Md., fitting in perfectly with his bright blonde hair and tan skin, before beginning his career in sales and marketing working with a national company, Hanes Hosiery. He then worked as a store manager for an appliance dealership in Seaford, Del. With an entrepreneurial mindset, Latchum started his own used appliance sales and service business in 1980 that he continued up until his death. 

A passion for collecting antiques and attending auctions led him to meet his beautiful wife, Anna Collins Latchum. The two were married in their quaint home on April 28, 1984. Latchum was blessed to have five daughters and 24 grandchildren who he devoted all his time too. He was honored to have his last grandson named after him, going by the nickname A.J. When he wasn't working, Latchum enjoyed listening to music from the 50s and 60s and attending car shows. Latchum took great pride in his collection of Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 twin turbo sports cars, owning three rare models.

A reliable and loyal man, Latchum was the type of person you could count on for anything. He was smart, physically active and determined to provide for those he loved. He enjoyed telling jokes, sharing stories and making those around him smile. He found joy in the travels with his family and cherished the memories he made on each vacation and cruise. His presence will be missed dearly in the lives of his family and friends. 

Latchum is survived by his caring wife and best friend of 37 years, Anna; his siblings, Kenneth Latchum (Leigh), Dwight Taylor (Debbie), Linda Hutson (Buck), Gary Taylor (Charlotte); his brother and sister-in-law, Cosmo Gadaleta (Jodi), Margherita Lawing (Max); his mother-in-law, Angela Gadaleta; his daughters, Julie Latchum Hawkins, Jennifer Ehrenfield (Jean Pierre), Gloria Collins Cohen (Michael), Roberta Collins Myers (G.R.), Christina Latchum and his grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 31, at Torbert Funeral Chapel, 61 S. Bradford St., Dover, Del. 19904. Internment will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Dover. Letters of condolence may be sent, and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.