John Robert Whitlatch, age 84, of Steffenville, Missouri, passed away Monday, November 1, 2010, at his home west of Steffenville. He was born March 14, 1926, at Tower Hill, Illinois, the son of Samual Ervin and Addie Blanche Closser Whitlatch. He was united in marriage to Arlene Clark at Maroa, Illinois on June 5, 1949. Surviving are his wife of Steffenville, Missouri, two sons, both of Steffenville, Missouri, one brother and his wife of Tower Hill, Illinois, three grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, Lula Whitlatch, Velma McElroy, Dorothy Hays, and Fern Fringer, and one brother Dean Whitlatch. John graduated from Tower Hill High School at Tower Hill, Illinois. He served his country in the United States Army from 1944 to 1946. During his service he received the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with 3 Bronze Battle Stars, the Victory Medal, two Overseas Service Bars, Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal. For the past fifty-nine years John and his wife have lived on their farm west of Steffenville, Missouri, where he was engaged in farming. He was a member of the Steffenville Christian Church and Welcome Lodge # 215 I.O.O.F. of Steffenville. John and Arlene traveled all over the United States touring with Antique Car Clubs. He enjoyed farming with his two sons, gardening, riding with his dog Skip on the four wheeler and spending time with family especially his grandchildren. Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, November 6, 2010, at the Steffenville Cemetery. Pastor Jerry Kaser will officiate the services. Full Military Honors will be provided by Lewis County Memorial American Legion Post # 578. Casket bearers will be family members. Visitation will be held Friday, November 5, 2010, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Coder funeral Chapel in LaBelle, Missouri. Memorials in memory of John Robert Whitlatch may be made to the Steffenville Cemetery, Blessing Hospice or the Charity of the Donor's Choice. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Coder Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 151, LaBelle, Missouri, 63447.