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Obituary published in the September 2025 edition of the Texas Press Messenger.

PHILLIP LATHAM

LINDALE - Veteran East Texas journalist and publisher Phillip Latham, 70, died Aug. 15. 

Those who knew Latham said readers, colleagues and community leaders respected him for his sense of integrity, fairness and objectivity – especially on controversial but pertinent issues.

Born Aug. 30, 1954, in Fort Worth, Latham lived throughout the state his entire life. He lived in Lindale at the time of his death.

Latham had an almost 50-year career in journalism. He earned his journalism degree from the University of Texas in Arlington in 1979. After graduation, he worked a stint as reporter for the Denton Record Chronicle and the Lewisville News Advertiser before beginning his career with the Lufkin Daily News in 1980, where he eventually became editor in 1989.

Latham then served as publisher and editor-in-chief at the Marshall News Messenger for 16 years from 1997 to his 2013 retirement. After retirement, he served as editor emeritus and associate editor at the Longview News-Journal. 

Latham’s weekly columns offered insight, reflections and even NewY ear’s predictions of local projects and happenings. 

He also implemented the News Messenger’s popular “Speak Out!” section — which offered readers a daily platform to exercise their freedom of speech — years before social media. The feature made its debut May 16, 1999, on page 2A where Latham said it would remain “as long as the comments kept rolling in.”

Latham’s passion for writing continued through several book projects, including his first self-published novel, “The Gospel of Adara.”  

“He never stopped writing even after his retirement … and left many more manuscripts waiting for his pen to return,” said his daughter, Molly Latham.  

“He served the community a lot through his church but he also just enjoyed volunteering in general — doing everything from working with seniors to helping immigrant families,” his daughter said. “Beyond that, he also had a great love for traveling and adventuring around the world with his wife, Emily.”

Latham is survived by his wife, Emily Mann Latham; four children, three grandchildren and other relatives.  

A memorial service was held Sept. 6 at First Christian Church of Tyler, Disciples of Christ, 4202 S. Broadway Ave. The family requests loved ones to engage in random acts of kindness to honor his commitment to community service.