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Thomas Eugene Latta died in Vallecito, Colorado on May 24, 2003. Tom was born on September 8, 1929 in Whitedeer, Texas. He grew up in Delta, Colorado and graduated from Delta Highschool in 1946 as president of the Student Body. He attended the University of Colorado in Boulder and went on to earn degrees in Geology and Nuclear Physics from the University of New Mexico in 1965. He married Charlotte Ann Dent of Grand Junction in Montrose, Colorado. They recently celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary. He was a 32nd degree member of the Scottish Rite Freemasonry Santa Fe, NM. and an active member of Mesa Lodge number 68 A.F. and A.M. Albuquerque NM. and the Ballut Abyad Shrine in Albuquerque. Tom began his career in Grand Junction, CO with the Atomic Energy Commission where he was employed many years. He retired from his job as a nuclear physicist from Sandia Natl. Laboratories in 1993 after 32 years. Tom was highly regarded for his contributions in the scientific field. His main field of endeavor was with upper atmospheric experimentation, rocket science, and the StarWars program in Kauai, Hawaii. He will be remembered for his integrity and sense of duty. Tom and Sharley divided their time between homes in Vallecito, Colorado and Scottsdale, Arizona. Tom is survived by his wife, Charlotte; two daughters, Dana Buss and husband, Dale in Castle Rock, Colorado, Pamela Medley and husband, Noel Fortis of Albuquerque; one son, Mike Latta and wife, Niki of Rock Springs, Wyoming; and eight grandchildren, Doctors, Greg Medley and wife, Katherine of Del Mar, CA., Eugene Medley, Kimberley, Kyle and Katherine Buss, Ann Dee TulVern of Crestone CO. Ernestine Startup and husband, Merv of Tempe, AZ, Bea McGee, CA; and three other brothers, Jim Latta and wife, Chris of Eckert, CO., Bill Latta, wife, Roberta of Delta, CO, Larry Latta, Denver, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews. Tom enjoyed traveling, gardening, fishing, mining, and geology. He loved spending time with his family and friends. A Masonic Service will be conducted in Albuquerque, N. on May 29, 2003, at the Ballut Abyad Shrine Temple 6600 Zuni S.E., Albuquerque NM. Tentative time 2:00 p.m. Services and Burial will take place in Grand Junction, CO on May 31, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. at Martin Mortuary 550 N. Ave, Grand Junction CO. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Shrine Crippled Childrens Fund 6600 Zuni S.E. Albuquerque, NM 87107.
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