Gerald G. "Buster" Latimer

Gerald G. "Buster" Latimer, 100, of DeKalb passed away on Saturday December 17, 2002, at home following a brief illness. He was born September 24, 1922, in DeKalb, Illinois, to George and Bessie (Tweed) Latimer.

Although born in DeKalb, Buster lived in Craik and Tisdale, Saskatchewan, until he was seventeen years old. He loved telling stories of his life in Canada. In 1939, Buster left Canada and moved to the family farm in DeKalb where he farmed for many years.

Buster was a DeKalb Farm Bureau member and served as a township director. He was also a fire protection trustee. He sold seed corn for Hughes Hybrids. He was a member of St. Mary's Church in DeKalb. Buster was an avid sports fan. He played baseball with the DeKalb Blue Sox, the Sycamore Sons and softball with the DeKalb County 35ers. He was an umpire for collegiate and high school baseball and DeKalb Park District softball. He loved the Cubs and so enjoyed seeing them win the 2016 World Series. Buster took his family camping and to rodeos all over the Western United States. He was known for his cowboy hat, cowboy boots and rodeo belt buckles. He was an associate member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys association. Buster was a gifted woodworker and was always making furniture, picture frames and his trademark sleighs for his friends and family.

Buster married Charlene O'Donnell on April 11, 1953, at St. Mary's Church in DeKalb. Together they had three sons, eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. His family was the most important thing in the world to him.

He is survived by his wife, Charlene; sons, James (Lois) of Waterman, Jeffrey (Elaine) of DeKalb and Lonnie (Joline) of Sycamore; grandchildren, Cindy (Mike Caravelli), Joshua (Jamie), Eddie (Lauren), Morgan (Tim) Jacobs, Audrey, Leslie, Hannah (Fiancée Josh Levin), Riley (Vinnie) Laudicina, Brian Suchy, Daniel (Kristin),Suchy, Scott (Molly) Suchy; great grandchildren, Jaelyn, Cole, Kiley, Kennedy and Carson Latimer, Jack and Noah Jacobs and Frankie Laudicina, Everett, Braxton and Sofia Suchy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Maxine Ball, Robert, June Garcia, Bruce and Gary.

Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday December 22, 2022, at 10:30 am at St. Mary Catholic Church in DeKalb with Father Dean Russell officiating. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service in the church. Burial will follow the mass at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in DeKalb. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family to be established at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to: Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 (815) 758-3841.