Roger Eugene Lathan, “Moose”
Roger Eugene Lathan, a lifelong resident of Albertville, Alabama, passed away Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Marshall Medical Center South following a brief, but hard-fought illness. He was born December 21, 1958, to Samuel Cleary and Mable Mayo Lathan.
A 1977 graduate of Albertville High School, Roger pursued a career in public service, attending fire college and becoming a paramedic. He dedicated his career to Albertville Fire & Rescue, where he ultimately served as Fire Chief before retiring with more than 30 years of service. Respected throughout North Alabama and beyond for his knowledge, skill, and leadership, Roger took tremendous pride in mentoring the young men who followed him into the fire service. He taught them not only how to become exceptional firefighters and first responders, but better people. His influence on the profession and the countless lives he touched will be felt for generations.
Following his retirement from the City of Albertville, Roger continued his career with SES in Huntsville, where he worked for more than a decade and developed special friendships that remained meaningful to him long after his time there.
As much as Roger loved his work and the people he served, his greatest pride and joy was always his family. He was a devoted father who built his life around his children, Luke and Lauren, giving them constant love, presence, and unwavering support. He was a dedicated Boy Scouts volunteer, spending countless hours alongside Luke as he worked toward and ultimately earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Luke would later follow in his father’s footsteps into the fire service, carrying forward the legacy of service Roger had instilled in him. Roger was equally devoted to Lauren, his daughter and very best friend, cheering her on from the soccer sidelines to nursing school, into her career as a registered nurse, and every moment in between. In his later years, he gained a new nickname, one he treasured dearly, when he became, “Pops,” to his four precious grandchildren.
Roger had a personality and sense of adventure that made him unforgettable. Though he faced health challenges in his later years, he was once an avid outdoorsman who loved camping, hiking, biking, hunting, and simply being in nature. Friends fondly remember his spontaneous, middle-of-the-night trips to the Smoky Mountains for a milkshake, a beautiful view, or simply the fun of an unexpected adventure. He continued to enjoy the outdoors throughout his life, especially at DeSoto State Park and Lake Guntersville State Park, where he loved cruising and watching for wildlife. He was also a dedicated Alabama football fan who never missed an opportunity to cheer on the Crimson Tide!
His family has always gotten a kick out of his love of gadgets, tactical gear, and equipment. He seemed to have a gadget for just about everything, and whether he ever actually needed or used it was beside the point. Roger was always prepared and ready for whatever might come his way!
Those who knew Roger will remember his calm, gentle nature, bright smile, integrity, and sweet spirit. He was never one to be in much of a hurry and had a way of making others feel at ease. Above all, Roger was a Christian, and his family finds great comfort in knowing he is now worshipping for eternity at the feet of Jesus, with loved ones and friends who have gone before him. They look forward with great hope to the day they will see him again.
Roger was preceded in death by his father, Samuel Cleary Lathan; his mother, Mable Mayo Lathan; and his only sibling, his dear sister, Katherine “Kathy” McGee.
He is survived by his son, Samuel Luke Lathan (Robin); his daughter, Lauren Lathan Jolley (Logan); his grandchildren, Olivia Jolley, Natalie Lathan, Mack Jolley, and Townsend Lathan; his brother-in-law, John McGee; a special niece, Joy Lowery (Kevin); great-nieces Kara Lawson (Jake) and Emma Cochran (Ethan); great-great niece and nephews Kimber Lawson, Hunter Lawson, and Colter Lawson.
Visitation will be held Monday, November 9, at 11:30 a.m. at Albertville First Baptist Church, with the funeral service following at 2 p.m. Brother Mike Williamson and Brother Jimmy Umphrey will officiate. A graveside service will follow immediately at Mount Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery. Albertville Memorial Chapel Funeral Home is directing.
Pallbearers will be Van Jolley, Colby Cook, Riggins Cook, Auston Gore, Max Nunnally, Joel Nunnally, Leonard Pearce, Brad Hix, and Brent Ennis, along with the Albertville Fire Department.
The family extends its deepest gratitude to everyone who has helped honor Roger in recent days, as well as to the many friends, colleagues, and loved ones who have surrounded them with an outpouring of love, prayers, and support.
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” — 1 Corinthians 2:9
Arrangements are entrusted to Albertville Memorial Chapel
