Donald Crawford Latham

Donald Crawford Latham passed away peacefully at home in the early hours of July 15, 2021. Don was born in Sayre, Pennsylvania on December 22, 1932 to the late Dayton & Helen Latham. After graduating from Yokohama AHS in Japan he attended The Citadel, graduating with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering in 1955. Don was on active duty in the Air Force from 1957-1959 during which time he graduated from the University of Arizona with his M.S. in Electrical Engineering and would later go on to earn his E.E. in 1965. Don held several different aerospace engineering positions in his lifetime, the longest of which was at Lockheed Martin. He was Deputy Undersecretary of Defense and later went on to become Assistant Secretary of Defense for Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence (C3I) in the Department of Defense during the Reagan administration in the 1980’s. Don received numerous awards for his work in the defense industry over his career. In 1987 he was presented with three honors: the Gold Medal for Engineering from the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, the Distinguished Civilian Service Award from the Department of the Army and the Medal for Distinguished Public Service from the Department of Defense. Don was a presidential appointee to the Defense Science Board, serving from 1996-2009. He also co-authored the book “Strategy for Survival” and authored the book “Transistors and Integrated Circuits”. Don was an avid reader and lifelong learner but was often happiest out mowing his yard. He is survived by his loving wife, Marla, of 34 years, three children, Heather Sheffer (Darrin), Sherrie Hill (Herb) and Gary Latham (Ruby), and five grandchildren: William, Luci, Finn, Soren & Hadley. He is also survived by his brother Phillip Latham and sister Barbara Latham as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Robert and William Latham. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Lake Jackson Volunteer Fire Department at 11310 Coles Drive Manassas, VA 20112 or to the Citadel Foundation at 171 Moultrie Street Charleston, SC 29409 or online at foundation.citadel.edu. Funeral services are private.

Donald Crawford Latham

December 22, 1932 - July 15, 2021