Obituary

Lawrence Dean (Larry) Thomas was born October 29th, 1954 to Harley and Dorcas Thomas, the 7th of 8 children and grew up in Valley Falls, KS. He went Home to his Lord on September 4, 2026 surrounded by his family. He was a twin born two months early, but he was a fighter. Those who knew and loved him admired, appreciated and were in awe of that strength throughout his life. Added to his upbeat and positive attitude, Larry was a friend to all.

At 5 years old, he found his passion for guitar playing, a love that stayed with him throughout his life. He would pick his guitar until his fingers bled while learning, listening to the radio and practicing until it sounded right. He was a member of The Delaware River Bottom Band as a guitar player and lead singer in his young adult years, later playing for every church he attended. He passed his love of music on to his children and grandchildren. One of his greatest joys was playing “name that tune”, a game where he would play a few short strums and others would guess the title. Our family enjoyed playing but never outsmarted him!

He was an avid fisherman and hunter his entire life. The great outdoors fed his soul, he said he felt closer to his Maker when he was afield. His Dad instilled that love of the outdoors within him and he shared that love with friends and each of his children. He hunted many of his later years with his children and his hunting buddy, Jerry.

Larry is a man of God and a devoted family man. He loved nothing more than spending quality time with his family. He gave his life to Christ at Men’s Promise Keepers Conference in Dallas, TX October of 1995, and he was baptized in Believer’s baptism May 26th of this year. He said he was just taking care of unfinished business with his Lord. He was surrounded by his family and close friends that day. He claimed it as one of the best days of his life! Larry had a quiet sense of humor that we all loved and enjoyed and he exercised it up til his last earthly days.

The Saturday before his passing, Larry spent the day with family. They shared stories, many laughs, played guitars, and sang. He played guitar and sang some of his old favorites from his Band days. We declared it ‘Backwards Day’, eating dessert before dinner. That sparked pure joy for him as he loved his desserts!! Before the day ended he took the time to love on and talk to each person individually, and pray for our family, even though he was weak he was joyful. He declared the day magical! Larry was proud of the beautiful life he and Pat built together, focusing on their faith and love for their Lord, each other and their family.

Larry leaves behind his loving wife of 37 years, Pat Lawler Thomas; three children, Clinton (Erin) Thomas, Erika (John) Acheson, and Audrey Thomas, and his seven grandchildren, Caitlyn, Allison, Lauren, his namesake Jocelin Dean, Austin, Madison, and his grandson and best friend, Charlie Calvin. Also, his sisters , Jeani (Gary) Thoma, Joan (Chuck) Dannenburg, and Joyce (Harold) Martin and so many nieces and nephew’s.

A visitation will be held on September 14, 2026, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a service at 7:00 p.m. at Langsford Funeral Home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

Interment will follow on September 15, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Englewood Cemetery in Clinton, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital.

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.