Anchored in Service, Carried by Legacy

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Charles “Bud” Porter Lathrop

On a quiet day in the San Pedro Channel, surrounded by the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, family and friends gathered for a profoundly moving ceremony at Eagle’s Gate, honoring the life of Charles “Bud” Porter Lathrop with a final farewell that reflected the depth and strength of his character.

A Life of Service and Dedication

Bud’s life was defined by service. He wore the uniform of the United States Coast Guard in the late 1950s, serving both on active duty and in the reserves until 1964. He reached the rank of Petty Officer Third Class and Quartermaster, roles that reflected his steady character and sense of responsibility.

After his military service, Bud continued his lifelong devotion to protecting others. He served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and later as a police officer and Lieutenant with the Fullerton Police Department. For him, service was never just a career — it was a calling.

Even after retirement from law enforcement, Bud remained active in the Coast Guard Auxiliary for decades. And when not on the water, he often found freedom in the skies, piloting his beloved Cessna Skyhawk 172. His love of flying, like his love of the sea, spoke to a soul that valued freedom, purpose, and dedication.

More Than a Résumé

Yet Bud’s true legacy is not just in the uniforms he wore or the titles he held. It is in the values he passed down to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was remembered as a man of loyalty, courage, and integrity — a provider, a protector, and a pillar of strength for his family.

As I stood with Brian Churchill — Bud’s grandson and my close friend through our years of service together in the LAPD and the Coast Guard — I felt the weight of Bud’s absence, and equally, the strength of his presence.

Lessons for the Living

Funerals are more than a farewell; they are reminders of what truly matters. Bud’s story teaches us that real success is measured not by material gain, but by the goodness we sow, the love we share, and the service we render.

His life calls us to action. To carry forward the spirit of service. To increase acts of kindness in our homes, our communities, and our country. To remember that our greatest legacy lies not in what we acquire, but in what we pass forward.

Words of Comfort

“He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces.” — Isaiah 25:8

May Bud’s memory be a blessing, and may his family be comforted with strength and peace. May we honor him best by living with courage, compassion, and kindness.