William Howard Lathrop

William Howard Lathrop, better known as Bill Lathrop, 57, of Jamestown Road, Morganton, NC, passed away Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC on December 17, 1950, he was the son of the late William Herman Lathrop and Lucy Morine VanDyke Lathrop. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Trudy Mull; an aunt, Lizzie Cook; and a mother-in-law, Ella Mae Winkler. Bill was a loving and devoted father, husband, brother, and friend to all.He is survived by his wife, Emma Winkler Lathrop of the home; daughters, Annette Effler and husband, Jason, and Heather Nikki Lathrop and friend, Jon Brumberg, all of Morganton; a son, William Heath Lathrop and fiancée, Kara Annas, of Morganton; a sister, Karen Lathrop of Morganton; nephew, Richard Mull; niece, Pam Dean; and special family friends, Faith Walker and Dustin Eller.The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 22, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Rocky Reese officiating. Entombment will follow in Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.