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IN LOVING MEMORY OF John Steven Latta
John Steven
Latta
Feb 26, 1951 — Mar 29, 2018
John Steven Latta's Obituary
John Steven Latta, known to many as "Coach," 67, of Smithton, IL, born Monday,
February 26, 1951, in E. St. Louis, IL, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ on Thursday, March 29, 2018, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.
John was a teacher and coach in the Cahokia School District #187 for 35 years. He
married Carolyn Fantini, his best friend and love of his life, on July 3, 1976, in Fairview
Heights, IL, at Unity Roselawn Baptist Church, now First Baptist Church of Fairview
Heights. John and Carolyn worked together and considered themselves a team when
dealing with their students and the athletes on John's athletic teams. Together they
touched many, many lives of students and athletes in Cahokia in a positive way.
As a teacher, John was nationally recognized in
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many times. He was named "Teacher of the Year" at Chenot School in 1980 – 1981. He
was a dedicated professional and a great motivator of young people. As a classroom
teacher, he was well known for his interesting and creative lessons.
John coached basketball at the junior high and high school level for over 30 years. He
was the junior varsity coach at Cahokia High School for 15 years, the varsity coach for 5
years, and the 8th grade junior high/middle school basketball coach for the rest of his
career. He was named the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association "Coach of the Year"
for the 1997-1998 season. He received the award for "Outstanding Service to the
Students in the Cahokia School District #187" in 2006.
In addition to basketball, he coached football, golf, and girl's track. He developed the
first golf team at Cahokia High School, and eventually under his leadership, they went on
to win the South Seven Championship in 1998.
His 8th grade boy's basketball teams won many regional and sectional championships
over the years. His seventh and eighth grade girl's track teams won 10 straight State
Championships which is a remarkable record on any level.
John was raised in Cahokia, attended public school there, and graduated from Cahokia
High School in 1969. He earned a Bachelor's degree in elementary education from
Southern Illinois University in Carbondale in 1973. He was the first student from SIUC
assigned to a British school for student teaching. He was allowed to teach there and
receive credit for the work at SIU Carbondale. He was sort of an advanced scout for this
new program.
In addition to teaching, John sold cars for several years. He worked at Gene Smith Auto
Sales, Mike Cleveland Auto Sales, Leon DeMond Auto Sales, and Bob Brockland GMC.
The traits that insured his success in the classroom and in coaching were invaluable in the
car business.
John was raised in a loving home and had a wonderful family. It was in this environment
that his love of sports such as baseball, basketball, football, hunting, fishing and golf
grew. He was a good man with a huge heart. He was loving with a great sense of humor
and a magnetic personality. He was a man of faith, believed in Jesus Christ, and sits at
the table with Him today. Because John is there, heaven is a brighter and funnier place.
John was a loving and faithful husband, a cherished brother, a caring brother-in-law, a
beloved surrogate father, an admired teacher and coach, a loyal friend, a good neighbor, a
good car salesman, and a devout Christian. He lived a full, happy, purposeful, and
rewarding life. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford G. and Margaret J. Latta, nee Moore,
his paternal grandparents, Clifford J. and Catherine Latta, his maternal grandparents, an
aunt, Margie Anthony, nee Latta, an uncle, Paul Anthony, and a cousin, Mark Anthony.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 42 years, Carolyn Latta, nee Fantini, a sister, Theresa
(Marc) Schlichting, nee Latta, and a brother-in-law, David Fantini.
Donations may be made to the Cahokia High School Boy's Track Program, Girl's Track
Program, or Boy's Basketball Program. Please designate to which program you would
like to donate. Mail donations to Cahokia High School, 800 Range Lane, Cahokia, IL,
62206, attention Liz Carpenter.
Visitation:
Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 13,2018, at
Cahokia High School gymnasium and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 14, 2018, at
Cahokia High School gymnasium.
Service:
A Memorial Service will be held following the visitation , 11 a.m. at the
Cahokia High School gymnasium. Reverend Dianne Anthony will officiate.
Interment will be at Lake View Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, IL, at a later
date.
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.
Funeral Services for John Steven Latta
Visitation
April
13
Friday
Cahokia High School Gymnasium
4:00 - 8:00 pm
Visitation
April
14
Saturday
Cahokia High School Gymnasium
9:00 - 11:00 am
Funeral Service
April
14
Saturday
Cahokia High School Gymnasium
Starts at 11:00 am
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