Chester Eugene Lathem, age 74, died on Wednesday, October 28th, 2020, in Franklin, Tennessee. Chester is survived by his sons Doug Lathem and his wife Carol and daughter Emma of Dalhart, Texas; and Russell Lathem and his wife Amanda and their children Jaylee, Jaedyn, Kylea, Tristin, Rylan and Keston of Scottsdale, Arizona; and his sisters Pam Lathem of Pearland, Texas, and Pat and Randy Slapak of Spring Hill, Tennessee. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Ruth Lathem and his brother, Bill Lathem, of Dalhart, Texas. Chester was born on November 14th, 1945 in Clayton, New Mexico. Chester grew up on the Lathem Ranch and spent his early life as a cowboy and a farmer. He spent many days horseback helping his father and grandfather with a renowned registered Hereford cow herd, as well as making a hand on the tractor or "changing water" on the family farm. These activities instilled great characteristics of independence, dependability and a hard work ethic at a young age. Chester graduated from Dalhart High School in 1964 and Oklahoma State University in 1969 with a bachelors degree in Animal Science. While attending OSU, Chester married his high school sweetheart, Diana Castleberry, in 1966. Chester and Diana moved back home to Dalhart, where they raised a family and pursued successful careers in real estate that were closely tied to their ranching and farming heritage. Chesters real estate career carried him all around the Southwestern U.S. working sales and investments in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico and finally in Arizona, where Chester capped off his real estate career. Chester lived in Arizona until 2012, when he returned home to retire on the Lathem Ranch that he grew up on. Chester was an amazing family man and a loving father. Chester was ever-present in the lives of his children and grandchildren, often traveling all over to his kids or grandkids stockshows. He always took time out of his busy schedule to take his family camping, fishing or snow skiing. Chester was a social, active man who was deeply involved in the lives of the many people he touched. He took great care of his clients when they were searching for a new family farm or ranch. He was a loyal advocate that went above and beyond the call of duty. Chesters friends could always count on him. He had an infectious smile and a wonderful sense of humor. His family and friends will always remember him as a loving, passionate and very caring person. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. in the Memorial Park Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be held following services. Chester gave his life to Christ at a young age and was always an active supporter of the church he attended, including First Baptist Church of Dalhart and Scottsdale Family Church. Chester even donated his time helping those less fortunate than him by serving in the food line at the Phoenix Rescue Mission on a weekly basis for a number of years. Chester was a generous donor to various noble causes, most notably the Countryside Mennonite Church and MD Andersons Cancer Center. The family encourages donations to either charity or a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Chester Eugene Lathem, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. Celebration of Life Memorial Park Cemetery Saturday, November 07, 2020 2:00 PM 101 Cherry Dalhart, Texas 79022