Otto Lator

Otto T. “Phil” Lator, age 91, of Ashley, MI, passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2019, at Mid-Michigan Medical Center, Alma, MI.

Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at 10:30 A.M. with a time of reflection and prayer at 11:45 A.M. Interment will be at North Star Cemetery, North Star, MI.

Otto was born in Merrill, MI on April 9, 1927, the son of Julius and Ida (Biro) Lator Sr.  Otto attended Ashley Public Schools. He served his country at the end of WWII in the U.S. Army.

Otto met Joyce Amy Reynolds at a dance in Edmore.  They were married six weeks later on August 5, 1949. They celebrated 69 years of marriage last summer.  Otto and Joyce loved dancing and traveled all over the state, making many friends while doing so.

Otto cherished his time at the family cabin at Houghton Lake and liked spending time on the water. He also loved playing cards with family and friends.

Otto was a General Foreman at Oldsmobile and retired after 30 years of service. He also farmed 120 acres near Ashley for 40 years.

Otto is survived by his wife Joyce of Ashley; son Lamonte (Donna) Lator of Dewitt, MI; daughter Cindy Lator of Ithaca, MI; and son Ned (Cherie) Lator of Houston, TX. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren: Philip Lator, Matthew (Brooke Mishica) Lator, Denise (Chris) McDoniel, Alexander Lator, Connor Lator, and Brittany Daniell; 2 great grandchildren: Nora Lator and Silas Hatten; and numerous nieces and nephews. Otto was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, and 3 sisters.

Memorials, if desired, may be made to the charity of your choice.

Condolences for the family may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI.