Oscar Lathrop

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Oscar Eugene Lathrop, age 88, of Weir, Kansas passed away at home on June 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Oscar was born on September 12, 1937 to William L. and Helen (Allegre) Lathrop, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri. He graduated from Columbus Unified High School with the class of 1955. Harold Brandenburg was a teacher to Oscar, and remained a lifelong friend and steady influence. After high school, Oscar studied architecture at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas for over two years, leaving school shy of graduating to join the military. 

Serving the United States as a member of the US Navy, Oscar had prior experience working on electronics which proved to be valuable knowledge during his military career. During the four years that he served, Oscar was stationed in Alaska, was on the USS Bennington, and even spent some time in Hawaii. He did important work in the Electronics Department, and helped to develop and maintain a Defense Notification System to help protect our great country, even earning a Good Conduct Medal. After his military career, he worked with his brother at their appliance store in Columbus, KS. 

For several years, he worked for KODE TV Station as well. Oscar was always willing to work on the family farm with his brother Frank who preceded him in death. After Frank’s death, Oscar continued to work on the farm, and was so proud of his Polled Hereford herd of cattle that had been selectively bred by the family to be docile and easy to work with. He enjoyed attending meetings of the Sports Car Club in Columbus, KS, and had quite a collection of electronic test equipment and High Fidelity audio equipment.

Throughout his life, Oscar has seen many friends and family come and go; though he is survived by a host of family and friends, including his sister-in-law, Elvira Lathrop.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Derfelt Funeral Home of Columbus, KS, and will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 1:00 PM, at the funeral home. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends beginning at 12:00 PM Saturday.