Bill "Tiki Bill" Latshaw, 86, of Palm Bay, Florida passed away on July 9, 2016. Bill was born in Olean, NY in 1930. He was the son of the late Gerald A. and Margaret L. Hill Latshaw.
Bill grew up in Bradford, PA. After graduation from Bradford High School he joined the US Air Force. While stationed at Hickham AFB, Hawaii, he met and married the love of his life, Diana D. Heady.
During his time in the service, he was active in several car clubs with interest in restoration and racing. He served 20 years and retired out of Patrick AFB, Brevard County, FL. Bill also worked for Symetrics, Federal Electronics Corp, Bendix Field Engineering Corp, and on the USNS Vanguard in the field of telemetry during the 1960's and 1970's. For over 15 years, Bill worked as a Precinct Deputy for the Supervisor of Elections in Brevard County.
Bill and Diana raised their family in Satellite Beach. Bill's nick name, Tiki Bill, derived from his hobby of carving tikis from palm logs. Later, he transitioned to carving walking sticks. Other interests included tropical plant gardening and touring light houses.
Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Diana; his son, William K. Latshaw; a brother Terry L. Latshaw; and son-in-law, Michael J. Kiniry.
Bill is survived by four children: Diana L. Mason (Peter) of Palm Bay, Nina Kim Kiniry of Palm Bay, Jon K. "Kris" Latshaw (Tracey) of Melbourne, and Gerald P. "Jerry" Latshaw of Tampa. Other survivors include: his brother, Robert "Bob" Latshaw, Sr. (Janet) of Lake County, FL and brother-in-law, Paul A. Heady, Jr. (Frederica) of California. Grandchildren include: Shawn Brandon Latshaw, Jason Fazio (Whitney), Matthew Fazio, Alexandria "Allie" Potenziani (Shawn), William K. "Will" Latshaw, and Katrina M. "Katie" Latshaw. Great grandchildren include: Hailey Latshaw, Ella Fazio, and Hudson Fazio. Surviving nieces and nephews include: Jill, Lori, Sheila, Tammy, Michelle, Bob Jr., Ronnie, Louie, Scott, Paul III, and Walter.
Bill's humorous nature will be greatly missed by family and friends.
A celebration of life will be held Thursday, August 18, 2016. Visitation with family members will begin at 10 am and the service will begin at 10:30 am. The location is Davis Seawinds Funeral Home Chapel at 560 Montreal Ave., Melbourne, FL. Graveside committal will follow for Bill and Diana at Florida Memorial Gardens beginning at 12 noon The location is 5950 US Hwy 1, Rockledge, Florida. In keeping with Bill's casual nature, the family invites attendees to dress casually to be comfortably in tune with the weather.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
-Hospice of Healthfirst
-Candlelighters of Brevard
-Or your favorite veterans' organization
Condolences may be offered at www.davisseawinds.com