Frank Lathrop

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Frank A. Lathrop was born January 29, 1932 to William L. Lathrop and Helen Erma (Alleger) Lathrop in Weir, KS.

He lived in the Carl Junction, MO area until 1945 and then moved to Cherokee County, KS, to the family farm near Lawton, KS. He graduated CCHS in 1951.

He was interested in electricity and electronics, encouraged by courses taught by Harold Brandenburg, the beginning of a life-long friendship.

Frank worked for “Bran” driving and servicing combines, which led to employment by Earl Boulware, owner of Boulware Hardware; dealer for Crosley TV & Appliances, and Gleaner Combines. He went to “Wheat Harvest” for several summers.

Frank also worked for a large TV dealer in Joplin. He developed relationships with a number of other color TV dealers during early days of color TV. This led to his purchase of Brown Refrigeration at 127 E. Maple in Columbus in July 1964.

Lathrop’s TV and Appliance was a dealer for RCA TVs and Frigidaire appliances and later Whirlpool appliances, from 1964-1989 (25 years).

Frank continued operation and enlargement of the family farm near Lawton while operating Lathrop’s TV and Appliance.

The TV and appliance business was sold in 1989 to enable Frank to farm full time, which he continued for the rest of his life.

He is survived by his wife Elvira, whom he married in December of 1963, and his brother Oscar.

He died June 15, 2021 at the farm at age 89.

Funeral Services will be at Derfelt Funeral Home in Columbus, June 21, 2021 at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends from 12:30-2:00, just prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Carl Junction Cemetery. Pastor Richard Pickett will officiate. Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.