Darlene & Bennett Latimer's Obituary
Obituary for Darlene Lansberry Latimer and Bennett Thomas Latimer Sr.
Darlene Lansberry Latimer, 74, and her husband, Bennett Thomas Latimer Sr., 77, passed away just weeks apart—Darlene on August 14, 2025, and Bennett on September 1, 2025—both at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital in Gainesville. Their passing marks the close of a beautiful marriage and a life of devotion to family, faith, and community.
Darlene’s Life
Darlene was born in 1951, in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, to Valimont Duane Lansberry and Larue Majors. Her family moved to Gainesville, Florida, where she graduated from Gainesville High School with the class of 1969.
Darlene dedicated her life to her family, and her career reflected that devotion. She began her work as a secretary at the School Board of Alachua County, later served as assistant director of Sonshine Day Preschool—where she was admired for her patience and care for children—and concluded her career as program coordinator in the Physics Department at the University of Florida. Her professionalism and kindness left a lasting impression on all who worked with her.
She is survived by her mother, Larue Majors Lansberry; her three sons, Bennett (Kara) Latimer Jr., Christopher Latimer, and Joshua (Maria) Latimer; and ten beloved grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Valimont Duane Lansberry, and her brothers, Pastor Larry Lansberry and Duane Lansberry.
Bennett’s Life
Bennett was born in 1948, in Gainesville, Florida, to Louie Frank Latimer Sr. and Louise Raulerson. He grew up working in the family business, Latimer Tire Co., before beginning a long and distinguished career in law enforcement.
He first served with the Gainesville Police Department before becoming Chief of the Hospital Police at Alachua General Hospital. He later joined the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, where his combined service as a reserve deputy and full-time deputy spanned 36 years. Bennett retired in 2013 and was honored as Officer of the Year in 2006 by the Gator Exchange Club. He was also honored as Florida Law Enforcement Officer of the year by SPARCC for his work with domestic abuse cases. His dedication to public safety and his community left a profound legacy.
He is survived by his three sons, Bennett (Kara) Latimer Jr., Christopher Latimer, and Joshua (Maria) Latimer; his ten grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene Lansberry Latimer; his parents; his brother Louie Frank Latimer Jr.; and his sisters Suzanne Latimer Dowling and Bettie Latimer Kane.
Their Legacy Together
Bennett and Darlene shared a marriage rooted in love, faith, and family. Together they raised three sons and delighted in their role as grandparents to ten grandchildren, who were their greatest joy. Their home was a place of love, warmth, and laughter, and their lives touched countless people through their work, friendships, and community service.
Those who knew them will remember Darlene’s warmth and kindness, Bennett’s dedication and strength, and the love they poured into every role they held—as parents, grandparents, colleagues, neighbors, and friends.
Services
A Celebration of Life to honor both Darlene and Bennett will be held at Williams-Thomas Downtown Chapel, 404 North Main Street on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. in Gainesville, with burial to follow at Forest Meadows East Cemetery. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made the Samaritans Purse, https://samaritanspurse.org/.
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