Dr. Bill Lathrop was born on March 28, 1931 and died on May 6, 2025. He married Bonnie Underwood on July 15, 1952.
Bill is survived by his wife, Bonnie; daughter Cheryl Fruetel (Gordon); daughter Pam Lathrop (Charlie Drees); granddaughter Megan Fruetel Gosseling (Joshua); granddaughter Molly Fruetel Fritzel (Patrick); along with five great grandchildren: Ruby, Tyson, and Jack Fritzel; Lilly and Charlotte Gosseling.
He graduated from Norton High School in 1949 and attended Oklahoma State University on a wrestling scholarship. He then entered the U.S. Navy after his freshman year. Following his military service, he graduated from Fort Hays State University and the UMKC School of Dentistry. He practiced orthodontics in Norton and Hays, Kansas. He also served as president of the Kansas State Association of Orthodontists. Bill and Bonnie have thoroughly enjoyed living in Lawrence, Kansas since 1999.
Bill served during the Korean War as a Navy Hospital Corpsman aboard the heavy cruiser, USS Los Angeles (CA-135), which sustained two direct hits from enemy shore batteries. His complete Navy service was 1950-1954 and his military honors include the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, and Korean Service Medal with four bronze battle stars. He proudly served the country he loved.
He was predeceased by his parents and sister. He requested no service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lawrence Habitat for Humanity, Ballard Center, or Family Promise. Arrangements are with Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home of Lawrence.
I just received notice of Bill’s death and my heart sobs with grief for your loss. The perfect couple is no more…just a wonderful inspiration to so many. May God bless you Bonnie and I will forever remember you both from my visit to Lawrence some time ago. Your gracious treatment of Judy and I resonates in my soul as an unforgettable event. I loved you both and wish you a quiet blessing from God.
Harlan
I was saddened to see the obituary for Bill in this morning’s LJW. What a long and joyous marriage you, Bonnie, and Bill have enjoyed. He was always a bright and humorous presence whenever our group was over at your home to play bridge. I can also recall clearly some of the frightening stories he wrote about in his book-of-life regarding his military service shipboard. He was an amazing individual and will be missed by many.
Dear Bonnie and family,
What a bright light Bill was. He brought so much Joy to so many lives. We treasure our time on Jeffries Ct as your neighbors! What a special time that was—Bill was so fun with all of the kids! I’m so thankful for his presence in our lives and I’m so thankful I got to see him last week on May Day! Love to all of you!
The Hofer family and Paige & John Baker
Everyone will tell you that your dad lived a long life and it was a good one and we should celebrate his days on earth. As a person who has lost a dad, I understand that the longer he lived, the larger the loss. We were so saddened to hear the sad news. We are thinking of you, your family and your mom especially. With love.
Bill was such a fun, humor-filled, loving person: He and Bonnie — such an inspiring couple! For his family & all that loved & knew him, there will be a warm feeling every & often time a memory of him is recalled. He definitely left this world a better place.
Dear Bonnie,
I see Bill’s and your smiling faces, and all of your many stories and Christmas greetings. What a blessing you have been to all of the many people who have been privileged to get to know you both. You have been the heartbeat of your family and to the many organizations you’ve been a part of. I know Bill counted you as his rock and visa versa. We can only be grateful for the time God gives us and his grace in having brought you and Bill together. My sympathy and love. Beth Ann
We are so sorry for your loss. He was very loved, and will be missed so much by his family. We feel your pain.
Dear, dear Bonnie,
I’m so very sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a special man; just as you are a very special lady. If I can help you in any way, please call me.
Bonnie and family, we are devastated for you at the loss of Bill. He was a true joy and light. We had coffee together in mid February and are so thankful that we had that time together so recently.
We hold such dear memories of our time at Jeffries Court and will remember Bill and Bonnie always, but especially each May Day. Bill loved to wait for the May baskets to arrive and chase the neighborhood children! We will treasure those memories always. Much love to all of you.