Thomas E. Larner

Thomas E. Larner STAUNTON

Thomas Emmanuel Larner, 36, husband of Angela (Young) Larner, and father of five-year-old, Mackenzie Renee Larner, passed away peacefully after a courageous and inspirational two-year battle with colon cancer Tuesday, January 12, 2010, at his residence.

He was born May 16, 1973, in Rockingham Memorial Hospital, a son of Robert Miller and Janet (Lytle) Larner of Staunton.

He was a 1991 graduate of R. E. Lee High School and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Old Dominion University in 2003.

Mr. Larner retired as a sergeant with the Staunton Police Department with 14 years of service and was co-captain of the Critical Incident Response Team.

He was a member of the BPO Elks #351. Tom was a licensed pilot and avid outdoorsman who enjoyed cutting wood, camping and hunting. He loved playing his trumpet and he often shared his gift with his church and community. His greatest joy was the time he spent with Angie, Mackenzie, his family and his friends.

In addition to his wife, daughter and parents, family members include a sister, Susanna Larner of Staunton; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Eric and Ronda Young; a nephew, Cole; an uncle, William S. "Bill" Larner and his wife, Irene, of Staunton; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ronnie and Linda Young, of Staunton; and a number of other relatives.

A funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. Friday, January 15, 2010, at Trinity Episcopal Church by the Reverends Dr. Paul Nancarrow and John Lane.

The casket will be taken by horse drawn hearse to Thornrose Cemetery for a graveside service with full police honors.

Active pallbearers will be John Larner, George Larner, Allen Larner, William Robson, Eric Young, and Andrew Deitz.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Staunton Police Department.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, January 14, 2010, at Henry Funeral Home.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. James Boyer and the wonderful nurses and staff at HOPE Cancer Center, Fishersville.

Memorials may be made to the Mackenzie Renee Larner College Fund, 2724 Churchville Avenue, Staunton, VA 24401.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.henryfuneralhome.net


This obituary was originally published in the News Virginian.