Racing Executive Brant Latta Dies at 60

Former racetrack executive Joseph Brant Latta of Fort Smith, Ark., died March 15. The Oklahoma City-born Latta was 60.

After earning his accounting degree from the University of Arkansas, Latta studied racetrack management at the University of Arizona. His horse racing career eventually brought him to Longacres Racetrack in Seattle, Wash., where he met his eventual wife of 27 years, Heather. When Longacres closed Latta became the general manager at Yakima Meadows for two years in Yakima, Wash. Latta went on to manage Turf Paradise in Phoenix, Ariz., and later became the general manager of Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif.

In the last part of his racing career, he acted as chief operating officer for Magna Entertainment and worked closely with Magna's numerous tracks around the country. Then longing to spend more time with his family, in 2008 he retired from the racing industry and opened an insurance agency that he owned until his passing.  

Latta was loved for his quick wit, his extraordinary sense of humor, and his devotion to living his life to the fullest. He enjoyed playing golf with his daughter, visiting the casino with his son, spending time with his eight brothers and sisters, playing poker, and having an after-work cigar at Winston's with friends. He also regularly conversed with others on his porch, occasions known as "Porchin' with Brant." 

Latta was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Rose Latta. He is survived by his wife; daughter, Claire Rose Latta, and her fiancé, Chris Eckes; son, Brayden Latta; sister Alicia Burks; sister Ann Borengasser and her husband, Jim; brother Ty Latta; brother Kevin Latta and his wife, Kelly; sister Theresa Little and her husband, Tony; sister Angela Knutzen and her husband, Steve; brother Todd Latta and his wife, Sara; sister Kerry Roller and her husband, Terry; many nieces and nephews, and countless friends.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated March 20 at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Barling, Ark. Interment of ashes will be private.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ty Latta, Kevin Latta, Todd Latta, Jim Borengasser, Tony Little, Steve Knutzen, and Terry Roller.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1301 Frank Street, Barling, AR, 72923 or The American Stroke Association at www.stroke.org.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.