Verbon T. Latta

Verbon T. Latta, 54, of Athens, Alabama passed away on August 28, 2024, in Athens.

Funeral service will be held at Hope Community Church on September 5 at 10:00 with Jody Baker and Pastor Keith Davis officiating. Burial will follow at the National Cemetery in Montevallo at 1:15. Visitation will be held on September 5 at 9:00.

Verbon, affectionately known by friends as Verb, was born to Bobby and Jennifer Latta on February 21, 1970. He loved basketball, animals, and working at McElwain Baptist Church. Though most people thought he was shy, those who knew him best knew how funny and kind he was. Verb grew up in the community of Avondale, attending Avondale Elementary School and Ramsay High School. Verb joined the Coast Guard to proudly serve his country when he was 22. He began his Coast Guard training in Cape May, NJ. He completed radioman school in Petaluma, CA, before finishing his career in Mobile, AL. He was on the Coast Guard Cutter “Alert” and the Coast Guard Cutter “Vigorous.” He received multiple recognitions while working as a radioman. He received recognition for his outstanding work handing communications for the Amtrak Sunset Limited train accident. After Verb left the Coast Guard, he went to work for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. Just as he knew he needed to serve his country, he knew he was called to be a police officer. He went above and beyond to serve and protect the people that were placed in his path. He got to know the people in the communities he served and much like Andy Griffith, was so well respected that he could usually diffuse any situation by his calm demeanor and excellent communication skills.

Verbon spent two years in Omaha, Nebraska, working as a Supervisor on the security team at Google. After moving back to Alabama, he worked as a security officer in the Huntsville Hospital system. His love for helping people was evident in his career at the hospital. He received commendations from the director of Huntsville Hospital for his outstanding efforts in going above and beyond while on duty. He was awarded Officer of the Month by his peers and received many compliments from patients. 

Verbon loved the Lord and was baptized at McElwain Baptist Church while in high school. His dream was to start a basketball ministry to teach kids not only basketball skills but the love of Christ. Though his job required him to work most Sundays, he faithfully watched the online services of The Water’s Edge in Omaha, NE, and Discovery Church in Athens. He had a special bond with Pastor Keith and they shared many conversations about God’s grace and mercy. 

Verbon had a love for animals and had a special relationship with all the pets they had over the years. He had a bond with Ivan and Jackson, cats that were rescued while in Omaha. He especially loved Jackson who was always by his side when Verb was home. 

Verbon is survived by his wife, Kimberly Northington Latta, his daughters Alex Yearty (Andrew) and Maddie Latta, his brother Matt Latta, nephew Cole Latta, and former wife Lee Ann Latta. He is preceded in death by his father Bobby Theron Latta and mother Jennifer Gayle Latta.

Verbon will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.