In many small towns when a significant member of the community passes away he or she is mentioned and talked about often. Their memories are kept alive by the marks they have made and the lives they have touched.
This small town has lost someone who touched the lives of those in the community, but also touched the lives of others worldwide.
Aaron Latham’s name is one used frequently to a newcomer to our community. Our small rural farming and ranch-ing community has quite an extensive collection of former residents who have made a name for themselves. Red Mc-Combs, a hometown celebrity who left Spur and made his mark on the world with his sports franchises, such as the San Antonio Spurs, his automobile dealerships and his philanthropy is one example, but if you want to get someone’s attention ask them if they have seen the movie “Urban Cowboy” with John Travolta and Debra Winger.
Most everyone has seen the 1980 movie. Then you tell them the man who wrote it was from Spur and his name is Aaron Latham. Then you throw in the bonus: by the way, he’s married to CBS and “60 Minutes” anchor Lesley Stahl.
We are all a little awed by those who live in the public eye. I met his wife, daughter, son-in-law, granddaughters and other family members at his graveside service held last week at the Spur Cemetery. I had never had the opportunity to meet the man, but as a librarian I felt compelled to attend the services of an author I have read and admired for many years. The man who met dignitaries and celebrities and hobnobbed with the rich and famous is buried just a couple of rows from my dad.
Spur is where he wanted to be buried. Spur has that effect on people. You may leave, but you will always want to come back someday. I was allowed a glimpse into their world for a short time and realized they are just like us. They love. They reminisce. They grieve.
Rest in peace, Cowboy.
Donnice Carruth is director of the Dickens County-Spur Library, in Spur.
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