Leroy ”Shorty” Kenneth Latta Sr. passed away on November 20, 2017; at the age of 88.

Leroy was a welder, working with his father, Bud, and brother, Ben, to build the successful Latta Bros. Welding Shop in Azusa, California; which serviced clients throughout southern California from 1945 until it closed in 1995.

Leroy was the oldest son of Bud and Flora (Waite) Latta, both of Bozeman MT; born December 17, 1928 in Long Beach, California. Leroy graduated from Citrus Union High School in Glendora, California in 1946. He attended Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana, where he played football. During the summer of 1947 he worked, and played cards, in the gold fields near Fairbanks Alaska.  Upon returning he attended Frank Wiggins Trade School in Los Angeles and begin working at his father’s welding shop.

Leroy married his high school sweetheart, Pearl P. Speziali on January 28, 1949.

He was a lifelong member and a Deacon of the First Presbyterian Church of Azusa, California. He also served as Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 415.

Through his work with the Masons, Leroy served the San Gabriel Valley for fifty-six years, where he held many positions and received many awards. In 2001, the Grand Lodge of California acknowledged Leroy’s dedication to Masonry by recognizing him with the Hiram Award, an award presented to a Master Mason who has unselfishly given his time, talents, and energy for the betterment of his lodge and Freemasonry.

Leroy is survived by his wife, Pearl S. Latta; his four children, Leroy Jr., Bruce, Kristine, and Dennis; and his six grandchildren, Claire, Ursala, Leslie, Lauren, Gregory, and Juliet.

A Masonic funeral will be held for Leroy at noon on November 28, 2017 at the Oakdale Memorial Park located at 1401 S Grand Ave, Glendora, CA  91740

Contact Information: White’s Funeral Home 626 334-2921 www.whitesfuneralhome.com

Address for Donations: 

California Masonic Foundation, 1111 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108,

American Red Cross, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839

A Reception will be held at the Masonic Lodge of Glendora, CA Immediately following the graveside service

135 N. Valley Center Avenue, Glendora, CA 91741

 Service Information