of Mountain Home, AR

February 1, 1942 - May 11, 2025

Harold ''Wayne'' Latting passed peacefully in the early morning hours of May 11, 2025 at his home surrounded by family. He was 83.

Wayne was born on February 1, 1942 to William Hershel Latting and Iva Rhuebell Latting Lipper in Leachville, Arkansas. He was the second child of three sons. Wayne was two years younger than Donald Ray and four years older than Kenneth Hershel.

While in his senior year at Childress High School in Monette, Arkansas, Wayne caught a glimpse of a pretty waitress at Barnett's Station and Restaurant. He ordered a lemonade and introduced himself to Glenda Faye Allen. Wayne and Glenda Faye were going steady shortly thereafter and courted for 14 months. He proposed on May 20, 1960 following their high school graduations. They were married later that year on December 17, 1960 at the home of Glenda Faye's parents in Paragould, AR.

In the following year, on December 9, 1961 they welcomed their first child, Ricky Wayne Latting. Their daughter, Melinda ''Mendy'' Faye Latting, was born on June 19, 1965.

After high school, Wayne went to the Memphis School of Barbering and earned his license as a barber. He worked in several shops, including at the Blytheville Air Force Base and his own Monette Barber Shop.

Following his career as a barber, Wayne went to work in telecommunications as an Inside Equipment Technician. In 1972, after traveling across the country following work in telecom, Wayne accepted a position with the Mountain Home Telephone Company. Wayne and Glenda Faye purchased a newly built home in Mountain Home, where they lived for the next 53 years.

In his younger years, Wayne enjoyed drag racing and won around a dozen trophies before leaving the sport. He also greatly enjoyed the outdoors and spent most of his spare time camping, boating and fishing on Norfork Lake. Wayne and Glenda Faye hosted family and friends in their home throughout the summers. Their guests were always welcomed with a warm smile and a cold beer. Wayne was notorious for his sweet tooth, often sneaking homemade cookies after Glenda Faye went to bed.

Wayne and Glenda Faye earned the titles of ''Mama and Papa'' with the birth of their first granddaughter in 1987, Brittany Shae Latting, followed by Bryanna LaShae (Stafford) Hall in 1990 and Eric Dalton Stafford in 1993.

In their retirement, Wayne and Glenda Faye spent their time with their only great-granddaughter, Lily Austen Stafford (2018). Lily promoted Wayne from ''Papa'' to ''Buddy'' as they were best buddies and they kept Mama busy with their mischief. Lily will always remember how much fun she and Buddy had while playing chase in the yard, dressing up and performing fashion shows down their hall and learning new card games at the kitchen table.

During his final days, Wayne was surrounded by his family and friends, who recalled stories about his stubborn nature and boyhood antics. He passed peacefully on the morning of May 11, 2025 in his home. He was with his wife of almost 65 years, his children and his grandchildren. He was holding tight to a small unicorn toy Lily had gifted to him.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Glenda Faye; son, Ricky Wayne (Linda) Latting and granddaughter, Brittany Shae Latting; daughter, Melinda Faye (Bryan) Stafford and grandchildren, Bryanna LaShae (Chris) Hall and Eric Dalton (Kayla) Stafford and his best buddy, great-granddaughter, Lily Austen Stafford; nephews, Mitchell Ray (Denise) Latting (daughter, Emily); Michael Ray Latting (daughters, Leah and McCall) and niece, Maria Annette (Donal) Malone (sons, Zach and Adam and their children). He is united in Heaven with his father, William Hershel Latting; mother, Iva Rhuebell Moore Latting Lipper; brothers, Donald Ray and Kenneth Hershel Latting and many lifelong friends.

The Latting family will celebrate Wayne in a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Hospice of the Ozarks. Hospice of the Ozarks, 701 Burnett Drive, Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653, hospiceoftheozarks.org/ways-to-give. Arrangements are under the care of Roller Funeral Home. Please visit our online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/mtnhome.

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