Rodney James "Bing" Latimer, 96, of DeKalb, IL, died Sunday, January 5, 2014 at Oakcrest Retirement Center.

He was born October 26, 1917 in Beloit, Wisconsin, the son of Ray and Frances (Fuller) Latimer.

He graduated from DeKalb High School and attended the University of Wyoming where he studied architectural engineering. He was a WW II veteran, who enlisted after Pearl Harbor and served four years in the Navy as Chief Petty Officer and a deep sea diver. Upon returning from the service, Mr. Latimer worked as a carpenter foreman on many commercial, industrial and residential buildings in the DeKalb County area. He also personally designed and built two homes and an apartment complex. He later retired from Northern Illinois University in 1980 where he worked in the physical plant for 18 years.

He was the first WWII Commander and life member of the V.F.W. 2287 and a lifetime member of the DeKalb Elks Lodge 765.

Mr. Latimer had a collection of over 400 Bing Crosby records plus several books and memorabilia. He became interested in the early 1930?s when records were 35 cents and collected them over the years. He was given the nickname "Bing" when he sang with local groups like Dee Palmer and Harry Condon. He also was a songwriter and recorded several songs. He loved to sing and continued to sing with the Oakcrest Boys most Saturdays until a few weeks before his death. He also performed at his 95th birthday party.

In 2011, he was a participant in Honor Flight Chicago, an organization that recognizes Chicagoland?s World War II veterans by flying them all-expense-paid to Washington DC for a day of honor, remembrance and celebration. He and his daughter made the one day trip together.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Helen (Thurm) Latimer, his brother, Colonel Raymond Latimer and his sister, Ruth Latimer Hovet.

He is survived by his daughter, Colette Latimer Rinn and his son-in-law, James Edward Rinn of Western Springs, IL and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2014 at Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home, 310 Oak Street, DeKalb, IL. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at noon at the Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home with Pastor Joseph Gastiger officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery immediately following the service with full Military Honor Guard by DeKalb?s American Legion, VFW and AmVets.

Donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson?s Research at www.michaeljfox.org or through Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home.

To send an online condolence visit: www.ronanmoorefinch.com. Arrangements were entrusted to: Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL, 60115 (815) 758-3841.

Service:
Saturday, January 11, 2014

12:00 p.m.

Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home
Visitation:
Friday, January 10, 2014

4:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home