Gene Latham

Gene Latham, 87, of Winter Haven went home to our Lord on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

Gene lived a Godly life filled with love, kindness, compassion, a little bit of stubbornness, and a whole lot of love for Jesus, his family, and his friends.

Born in South Bend, Indiana on October 2, 1938, but relocated to Miami, Florida in 1958, where he built a career and raised a family, with his wife of 46 years, Laura “Susie” (1939-2004) and also where he discovered his love of motorcycles. It was in Miami where he was a Mason, many time Motocross champion, and grew a large collection of model airplanes that he compete and won with. Gene built a career off a single patent for screen enclosures. He had a brilliant mind that eventually led to Air Flow Pools and a wonderful amount of lifelong friends, whom he cherished until he passed.

Gene loved his sports, especially basketball and the Miami Hurricanes. He enjoyed the friendly banter between he and his beloved best friend, Carl, his brother-in-law, whom just welcomed him in Heaven along with the many other that have gone before him.

Later he relocated to Central Florida in the early 90’s, where he built an award-winning pool company, Blue Haven Pools, with his long-time business partner and friend, Mike Fratrik, and also found a fond, food-loving friendship with Bill Bradshaw.

In 2014, Gene married Barbara. They both attended the church where he was a Deacon. Barbara was a long-time member and they knew of each other for several years before they dated, and she also was an avid lover and rider of motorcycles. They went on many adventures together riding their Harleys together and traveled the globe. Gene and Barbara relocated to Winter Haven after Gene’s retirement, and found a wonderful church to do activities with, and worship our God. They continued to travel up until two weeks prior to his death, where he let the world know, it was time and he was ready.

Gene is survived by his wife, Barbara Latham; sister, Shirley Long; daughter, Lynda Hollers; step-daughter, Joy Hart (Robert); step-sons, Brian Oliver (Leslie) and John Oliver (Tiffany); grandchildren, Tiffany (Chad), Larisa, BeLynn (Blake), Breanne, Haley, Aiden, Luke, and Owen; great-grandchildren, Zachary, Lauren, Luc, Addison, Jaiden, and Kendra; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Ethel Latham; daughter, Rebecca Latham; brothers, Jerry Latham and Lee Latham; and son-in-law, Raymond Oliver.

Gene came from nothing but gave everything. He loved and he was well-loved. He left this earth riding a Harley into the sunset with the angels waiting. He lived a good life and if finally able to ride free.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Gene and Barbara’s church, Christ’s Church on the Move (CCM), 312 Buck Moore Road, Lake Wales, FL 33853. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.marionnelsonfuneralhome.com.