Roy A. Lathrop, 81, of Claremont, passed away on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana. Roy was born on May 29, 1942 in Olney, Illinois, the son of Arthur and Katibel (Mowrer) Lathrop. He married Sandra (Inyart) on April 1, 1966 in Sumner, Illinois, and she survives.

Roy retired from the Illinois Gas Company where he was a welder. Roy served in the US Army National Guard. Roy was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, fish, trap, birdwatch, and was an amateur arborist and beekeeper. He was a former member of the IBEW Local 107, the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union #157, the East Richland Coon Hunters Association, and the Olney FFA Chapter. He received his Illinois State FFA Degree in 1959. Roy was a great storyteller and mentor to many. He was always willing to pass on his knowledge and life skills. Roy enjoyed spending time with his family and always made an effort to attend his grandchildren's events. Roy will be greatly missed by all those that knew and loved him.

Roy is survived by his wife, Sandra Lathrop of Claremont; daughter, Jill Steber and husband Tom of Claremont; son, Benton Lathrop and wife Tanya of Claremont; son, Dan Lathrop and wife Bobbie of Olney; grandchildren, Marcy (Brandon) Mitchell, Maria (Gary) Rodgers, Gus Lathrop, Molly (Logan) Rapp, Gavin Lathrop, Hudson Lathrop, and Finn Lathrop; great grandchildren, Lilly, Kyrstin, Landon, Austin, Garrett, Marlin, Oliver, and Emsley; brother, Joe (Geraldine) Lathrop; sister, Mary Lou (Melvin) Kimmel; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Jason Lathrop.

A graveside service will be held for Roy at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at Antioch Cemetery in rural Claremont. Interment to follow.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney, IL