Michael Jay Lathern

Michael Jay Lathern (Jay) passed away July 3, 2025 in Waco, Texas. Visitation will be Monday July 7th at 5:00pm at Grace Garden Funeral Home in Woodway Texas. The Service will be Tuesday July 8th at 10:00 am also at Grace Garden Funeral Home.

Jay was a devoted Husband, Dad, and best Grandad. Jay adored spending time with his family and his sidekick Annie . He was a long time business man, and loved being in the steel business from the age of 18 until his retirement 2023.

Jay was born to Cecil Jay and Mary Lee Lathern in Waco on May 29 1947. He attended Lorena High School and Graduated from Baylor with a degree in accounting. On September 2 1967, he married his Jr High and High School sweetheart, and the love of his life Mary Ann Williams. Jay and Mary Ann spent 7 years as foster parents before adopting their precious children Holly and Matthew. As a teenager, he enjoyed playing baseball every chance he had and going water skiing with family. He enjoyed being a Dad, watching his kids grow and be a part of their activities. This included family vacations, listening to Holly play piano at recitals and competitions, and going to pinewood derbys and camping with Matt. His Grandkids: Makayla, Haydon, and Hudson held a special place in his heart. He enjoyed spoiling them and following them around the state for various Band, Volleyball, Basketball, Football, Tennis, and Track activities.

At age 18, Jay started working in the steel business at Davis Iron Works in the warehouse. After graduating from Baylor, he continued his career at Davis until 2003 when he founded his own company, Metals 2 Go. At this time, Mary Ann joined him in the business which became their ministry. They loved their coworkers like family and blessed them in many ways. Buying and selling steel was Jay’s passion and he enjoyed it until his retirement in 2023.

Jay was preceded in death by his Father, Cecil Jay Lathern, his Mother Mary Lee Lathern, Brother Gary W. Lathern, and Sister Debbie Drummond. Jay is survived by his wife Mary Ann Lathern, Daughter Holly Bush and her husband Michael of Bangs, Son Matthew J Lathern of Tomball, Grandchildren Makayla, Haydon, and Hudson Bush of Bangs, Sister Pat Gummelt, and Brother Steve Lathern and wife Barbara, many nieces and nephews and friends.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Lathern, Ryan Rogers, Seth Rogers, Haydon Bush, Hudson Bush, and Batsell Bates.