IN LOVING MEMORY

SIMON OLATUNJI LATINWO

October 27, 1931 – June 1, 2026

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

With hearts filled with gratitude and love, we celebrate the life of Simon Olatunji Latinwo, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, entrepreneur, and friend. Simon departed this earthly life peacefully on June 1, 2026, at 10:00 p.m., at the age of 94.

Born on October 27, 1931, in Ibadan, Nigeria, Simon was the son of Lawrence Egbinola Alao Latinwo (June 25, 1900 – June 25, 1953) and Sarah Bamidele Feyisara Ibrahim Latinwo (March 10, 1910 – November 8, 1982).

Simon was born into a proud Yoruba family whose roots trace to the Latinwo lineage of Otun Lajumoke and Ile Agbona of the Oyo Empire. Family history tells us that the Latinwo ancestors were among the Eshos, the warriors and soldiers of the great Oyo Empire who helped establish the military settlement that became modern-day Ibadan. The family’s traditional Egungun masquerades, Agbona and Afidi-Elege, remain symbols of that rich heritage.

His father, Lawrence Egbinola Alao Latinwo, dedicated his life to the Nigerian Railways. Beginning his career in Lagos and serving throughout Northern Nigeria, including Jebba and Kujeri, he ultimately became Station Master of Kaduna Junction in present-day Kaduna State, where he served until his passing in 1953.

Simon was one of ten children. His siblings included Comfort Nihinlola Adebisi, Mercy Mojisola Abeo Adeyemi, Edward Olabanji Latinwo, Agnes Olufunmilayo Ayeni, Margaret Oluyomi Iluyemi, Florence Adeola Adeoye, Mark Olusola Latinwo, Elizabeth Olufunke Fashuyi, and Oladotun Ademoye Latinwo. Family was central to Simon’s life, and he maintained pride in his family heritage throughout his ninety-four years.

As a young man, Simon possessed an unquenchable desire for education and opportunity. He worked for the British government in Nigeria and developed a keen interest in politics, economics, and world affairs. In pursuit of a brighter future, he courageously left his homeland and immigrated to the United States.

Simon arrived in America on September 11, 1960, settling first in Dixon, Illinois. He attended adult education classes at Dixon High School and later studied Political Science and Economics at Elgin Community College. During those early years, local newspapers frequently featured him as a spokesperson for Nigeria and Africa. He spoke to civic groups and community organizations about Nigerian independence, African culture, education, and international affairs, serving as a bridge between two worlds.

Simon was also an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Elgin, where he enjoyed fellowship with community leaders and participated in service-oriented activities. His involvement reflected his lifelong commitment to education, civic engagement, and improving the lives of others. Through organizations such as Kiwanis, Simon continued his dedication to building bridges within his community and supporting future generations.

On September 1, 1970, Simon proudly became a naturalized citizen of the United States. He embraced America while never forgetting Nigeria. He remained deeply proud of his Yoruba roots and the family legacy that shaped him.

Simon married Martha Cross, and together they welcomed four children: Temidayo B. Latinwo Jones, Sonyaolu A. Latinwo, Brandon A. Latinwo, and Adebayo O. Latinwo. Although the marriage ended in divorce in 1973, Simon remained an important part of his children’s lives.

A man of vision and determination, Simon embraced entrepreneurship throughout much of his life. His ventures included SOL Construction and Latinwo Insurance Broker. He also invested in real estate and home ownership, believing that education, hard work, business ownership, and perseverance were pathways to success. His entrepreneurial spirit reflected the courage that brought him from Nigeria to America with little more than faith and determination.

Among the greatest joys of Simon’s life were his children and the generations that followed. Yet among the deepest sorrows were the losses of two beloved sons. Brandon A. Latinwo passed away in 1986 at the age of fourteen after battling muscular dystrophy. Three years later, Adebayo O. Latinwo passed away in 1989 at the age of twenty-two from the same devastating disease. Though these losses weighed heavily on his heart, Simon continued forward with remarkable resilience and strength.

Simon was blessed to see his family continue to grow. He was the proud grandfather of Brandon Gregory Latinwo-Jones and Greyson Alexander Latinwo Jones.

One of the greatest blessings of Simon’s long life came in 2026 when he welcomed his great-granddaughter, Naomi Simone Latinwo-Jones. Despite declining health, he was able to hold her in his arms and witness the continuation of a family legacy stretching from Ibadan, Nigeria, to the United States across five generations. The images of Simon holding Naomi became cherished symbols of God’s faithfulness and the enduring strength of the Latinwo family. For those who loved him, those moments represented the beautiful closing of one chapter and the beginning of another.

In the final months of his life, Simon experienced the rare blessing of seeing five generations of his family connected through memory, heritage, and love. Naomi’s arrival brought him great joy and served as a living reminder that the sacrifices he made decades earlier would continue to bear fruit for generations yet to come.

Those who knew Simon will remember a man who was intelligent, ambitious, independent, determined, and proud. He believed in education. He believed in ownership. He believed in taking chances. He believed that through hard work and perseverance a person could build a better life.

His life journey carried him from colonial Nigeria to independent Nigeria, from Ibadan to Dixon, from student to entrepreneur, from immigrant to American citizen, from son to patriarch. He witnessed nearly a century of history and left a lasting imprint on all who knew him.

Most importantly, Simon leaves behind a legacy of perseverance. His story reminds future generations that courage can cross oceans, that determination can overcome obstacles, and that family remains the greatest legacy of all.

He is survived by his daughter, Temidayo B. Latinwo and husband, Gregory Jones; his son, Sonyaolu A. Latinwo; his grandsons, Brandon G. (Tyra) Latinwo-Jones and Greyson A. Latinwo Jones; his great-grandchildren Miles, Kaisen and Naomi Simone; his surviving siblings and extended family throughout Nigeria and the United States; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Egbinola Alao Latinwo and Sarah Bamidele Feyisara Latinwo; his sons, Brandon A. Latinwo and Adebayo O. Latinwo; and several beloved brothers and sisters.

From Ibadan to Illinois, from one generation to the next, Simon Olatunji Latinwo’s life stands as a testimony to faith, perseverance, family, and purpose.

To God Be The Glory.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Cremation care has been provided by the Unger-Horner Funeral Home. There will be no services at this time. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.