Fairmont, WV - John William Whitlatch, Jr. 94, of Fairmont passed away from this life on Friday November 14, 2025. John was born on Easter Sunday April 5, 1931 at home on Parrish Run, the oldest son of the late John William Whitlatch, Sr. and Edna Roseland Conaway Whitlatch.

He was preceded in death by his wife Anna Baransky in 1997 and his brother Max Eugene Whitlatch.

John grew up during the great depression and it taught him resourcefulness and gave him a strong work ethic. At the age of 17 John joined the U.S. Navy embarking on a 30 year career from 1948-1978. He served in the Korean War, Vietnam and Panama. He was stationed at many naval installations on the U.S. East Coast.

John retired Deputy Sherriff of the city of Virginia Beach, Virginia. He was a Gunsmith, he enjoyed history, especially U.S. history. John enjoyed participating in historic events held at Pricketts Fort. He belonged to the North, South Skirmish, Maryland, D.C. and West Virginia. He was also a life member of the National Muzzle loading Rifle Association.

John was a life member D.A.V. Chapter 45 Morgantown/Fairmont, V.F.W. Post 7048 Fairmont, past post 3835 Cocoli, Panama, Canal Zone. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and belonged to the Mannington Lodge 31 AF&AM;.

John married Anna Baransky in 1952, and they were together until her death in 1997.

He is survived by her children, Robert Charles Whitlatch, Mary Ann Satterwhite, and Edna Lorraine Spruill and husband Sam. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Nora Satterwhite, Megan Spruill Combs and husband Jonathan, Eli Spruill and wife Cara, Sarah Satterwhite Hays and husband Joshua, and Robert Satterwhite, and his great-great grandchildren Ayden and Jonathan Combs, Bailey, Nathaniel and Miles Spruill.

The family would like to thank all who took care of John at Tygart Center at Fairmont Campus. Your patience, understanding, compassion and professional care is greatly appreciated.

Family and friends may attend a funeral service on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Ross Funeral Home 801 Fairmont Avenue Fairmont with Pastor Matt Holbert officiating. Interment will follow at Parrish Run Cemetery.

Full military honors will be conducted at the funeral home.

Condolences sent to www.rossfh.com.