Bill Lathrop Obituary

Dr. Bill Lathrop was born on March 28, 1931 and died on May 6, 2025. He married Bonnie Underwood on July 15, 1952.

Bill is survived by his wife, Bonnie; daughter Cheryl Fruetel (Gordon); daughter Pam Lathrop (Charlie Drees); granddaughter Megan Fruetel Gosseling (Joshua); granddaughter Molly Fruetel Fritzel (Patrick); along with five great grandchildren: Ruby, Tyson, and Jack Fritzel; Lilly and Charlotte Gosseling.

He graduated from Norton High School in 1949 and attended Oklahoma State University on a wrestling scholarship. He then entered the U.S. Navy after his freshman year. Following his military service, he graduated from Fort Hays State University and the UMKC School of Dentistry. He practiced orthodontics in Norton and Hays, Kansas. He also served as president of the Kansas State Association of Orthodontists. Bill and Bonnie have thoroughly enjoyed living in Lawrence, Kansas since 1999.

Bill served during the Korean War as a Navy Hospital Corpsman aboard the heavy cruiser, USS Los Angeles (CA-135), which sustained two direct hits from enemy shore batteries. His complete Navy service was 1950-1954 and his military honors include the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, and Korean Service Medal with four bronze battle stars. He proudly served the country he loved.

He was predeceased by his parents and sister. He requested no service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lawrence Habitat for Humanity, Ballard Center, or Family Promise.  Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.