Lester L. Lathrop

lester lathrop

NEW BEDFORD — Lester L. “Spanky” Lathrop, 90, of New Bedford died at 6:21 a.m. Friday, Dec. 7, 2018, at Perry Memorial Hospital in Princeton.

Born July 8, 1928, in New Bedford, the son of Roland and Maud (Hamilton) Lathrop, he married Judith M. Cook on Jan. 2,1954, at the New Bedford Christian Church. They shared 64 years together. She survives in New Bedford.

He was a 1946 graduate of Walnut High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He had been employed by Kory Industries in Manlius, and was a greeter at Walmart in Princeton.

Also surviving are his three children, Scott Lathrop of Tampico, Sheryl Lathrop of New Bedford and Shanda (Mike) Hilmes of New Bedford; five grandchildren, Alec Lathrop, Ashlie (Ryan) Ledbetter, Toriann Hilmes, Gillian Hilmes and Damien Hilmes; four great-grandchildren, Taylor Mendenhall, Zerelda Hilmes, Marlene Hilmes and Ella Hilmes; a brother-in-law, Owen Morris; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and infant brother, Roger Lathrop; and two sisters, Norma Morris and Melva Carpenter.

A memorial service will be at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 10, at the New Bedford Christian Church with the Rev. Brian Moore officiating. The family will accept visitors one hour prior to the services, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the church. Burial will be in Elm Lawn Memorial Park in Princeton at a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the New Bedford Christian Church and Manlius Rescue Squad.

The Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton is handling arrangements

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  1. I am so sorry for your loss ! I have alot of great childhood memories of Spank ! I will miss his smile but most of all his laugh.

  2. So sorry for your loss. I have great memories of Spank at the many events and activities at the New Bedford Christian Church, and the New Bedford Elites. Enjoyed reliving several with both of you a few years ago at a Manlius alumni banquet. Rest In Peace, Spank.


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