Harry McLaurine Lattimore, born Feb. 22, 1926 in Waco, Texas, died Aug. 21 in Fairfax County, where he had made his home since 1969. He was predeceased by his parents, Felix and Harriet Davis Lattimore and his brothers, Clayton and John. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law Robert and Betty Lattimore of Oklahoma City, Okla., many nieces and nephews, his "adopted" son, Tom Burger, and a host of loving friends.
He attended Marlow High School, Marlow, Okla., and earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. He graduated from Baylor University, where his grandfather, John C. Lattimore, served as president. Lattimore served with the 10th Mountain Infantry Division in the Army during WWII, was wounded twice, became a speech writer for generals, and received two Purple Hearts.
His community service began in the '60s and continued until his death. Gov. John Anderson declared him to be a "Distinguished Jayhawker" for his service to the state of Kansas as the executive director of the governor's committee on children and youth.
He worked for the Fairfax County Library from 1970 to 1988. He was a familiar face around the Lorton area as he drove the bookmobile during the 1970s. When Lattimore served as manager of the library, it was said that the Lorton Library was known as the hub of the Lorton Community.
Lattimore was one of Lorton's most influential and dedicated citizens who contributed a great deal to the welfare of the community. He was founder of the Lorton Heritage Society, co-chair of the Lorton Task Force, charter member of the Federation of Lorton Communities and served as advisor for the Fairfax County History Commission. In 2002, he was Grand Marshal of Lorton's 4th of July parade and was accompanied by his good friend, 7-year-old Christopher Burger.
In the Historical Garden at the Lorton Library, the community planted a maple tree to honor Lattimore as the unofficial Mayor of Lorton. This fall, the playground and picnic grove at Fairfax County Lorton Park will be named the Harry Lattimore Playground. A community exhibit case at the Lorton Library will be named the Harry Lattimore exhibit case.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to the Fairfax County Public Library, Library Foundation, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 324, Fairfax, VA 22035.