Terrel Latham

Terrel Zane Latham (Zane), 75, passed away peacefully under loving care in Tuscola, Texas on August 26, 2024. A military service will be held on Tuesday, September 3 at 10am at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene, Texas on 7457 West Lake Rd.

Born in Breckenridge on May 19, 1949 to Hilmon and Lucile Latham, Zane was the second to last of nine children, a role that provided just enough room to avoid the spotlight but not quite enough to escape it entirely.

A graduate of Woodson High School in 1967, Zane made a modest name for himself by qualifying for the state track meet in Austin, Texas for pole vaulting - a fear that his family still debates whether it was due to sheer athleticism or a result of being in the right place at the right time. Zane was an active member of FFA and was elected President of the State of Texas Future Farmers of America. He showed steers and won Grand Champion of the Houston Livestock Show one year. After graduation, Zane attended the University of Texas Arlington for two years and married Diana Maley Latham on June 6, 1969. Their 55 years of marriage were marked by a shared commitment to a variety of ventures and an unshakable partnership.

Drafted into the Army in January 1970, Zane quickly advanced to E5 rank before receiving an honorable discharge - a testament to his ability to rise through the ranks without making too much of a fuss. He later dabbled in real estate in Arlington and Plano, Texas and experimented with various jobs in Abilene including stints at Montgomery Ward, D&W Funriture and Abtex Beverage before realizing that working for others was not his cup of tea.

Zane then took a bold leap into entrepreneurship starting with a convenience store, Snappy Mart, conveniently located on I-20 in Clyde, Texas. His knack for business continued with another convenience store, Whip In, on Stephens Street in Clyde where he worked with his wife, son, and daughter. His journey eventually led him to Westcliff, Colorado, where he owned and ran an RV park for 13 years. He returned to Clyde to build Buck Creek RV Park - a project that transformed a cactus filled, snake infested pasture into a thriving 20-site RV park with an additional 30 sites added later. The park was a dad and son effort, involving clearing brush, digging trenches, and laying plumbing and electrical work.

Despite being proud and strong willed, Zane had a fairness and level headedness about him which was highly respected and admired by his family and peers. Zane was a man of faith who served the Lord as a lifelong member of the Church of Christ in addition to being a devoted husband, proud father, and grandfather. His legacy will be remembered by those who knew him as a man who built much from the ground up both literally and figuratively.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Hilmon and Lucile Latham, brothers TJ, Donald, Kenneth, Cruz, and Powell Latham, and sisters Keitha Tate, Guan Blackerby and baby Ramona Latham.

Zane is survived by his wife of 55 years, Diana Maley Latham, daughter Wynona Weber (Gordon Ratcliff), son Brandon Latham (Meghan Latham), four grandchildren, Justin Black (Allie Arbulu), Helaina, Cullen Ray Zane, and Maggie Latham, brother Quien Latham (Susie), as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

In leiu of flowers, donations can be made to ALS Research Association or Meals on Wheels in memory of Zane who preferred to keep things straighforward and meaningful.

Rest in peace, Zane, also lovingly known as Dad and PaPa. Your unwavering determination and the legacy of your many ventures will continue to inspire those who follow in your footsteps.