Lawrence Thomas

Lawrence E. Thomas

Larry passed away at his home in Ogden, Utah, on December 29, 2025, at the age of 96 years. He was born in Mullinville, Kansas to Mary L. and Holmes E. Thomas.

Larry's formative years were spent working on the family farm where, in between adventures that got him into trouble, he and his father would switch off working the fields day and night to keep the crops rotating. He joined the Navy in 1950 and traveled extensively, although he mostly spent time in the Caribbean, Jamaica, and the Mediterranean.

Upon discharge from the Navy, Larry settled in Colorado where he owned and operated a service station. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed his home so he relocated to Ogden, Utah. At age 35 he joined the Ogden City Police Department where he was employed as a motorcycle officer, patrol officer, and retired as a tech services/homicide detective after 28 1/2 years.

Larry was a long-time member of several clubs, including the Foot Printers, Corkers, Elks, Ducks Unlimited, American Legion, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Larry is survived by his loving wife Sherry Thomas and his son Larry Thomas (Jeremy). He is also survived by the four stepchildren he raised; Mary Montoya, John Busk, Linda Knight (Mike) and, Mark Busk (Elaine), as well as Sherry's children; Lalana Charlesworth (Kent), Darin Draper and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren (who lovingly call him Grandpa Duck), his nephew Mike Gillespie (Julie), and his many friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary E. Plummer; and a wife, Millie B. Thomas.

As family and friends, we have many fond memories and stories about Larry. From his amazing woodworking abilities (he crafted a handmade canoe from 2" pieces of hand cut wood), his ability to fix anything, his love of duck and goose hunting (he had also been a waterfowl hunting guide), his love of nature and camping that he passed down to his son and stepchildren, and his rigatoni or corned beef and cabbage Christmas Eve get togethers - with moonshine - our merged families have greatly benefited from our time with Larry.

Amazingly, Larry was still riding his motorcycle at 85 and switched to a trike just before he turned 90. He gave up riding at age 94 due to his leg condition but until then he and Sherry made many bike road trips, near and far. He and Sherry spent many days a week fishing at Causey Dam in the canoe, and they would host a fish fry at the Eagles Campground at the end of the summer with their catch. Some of their favorite times were spent on the water fishing. Sherry and Larry really enjoyed their time camping and traveling and neither minded off-roading to a campsite and sleeping in a tent. They were kindred spirits and loved their adventures.

A Celebration of Life in Larry's honor will be held on January 10, 2026, at 1 pm at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 975 Wall Avenue, Ogden, UT 84404.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Ducks Unlimited, ensuring Larry's spirit of conservation of wetlands and habitats for waterfowl is continued.

Forever in our hearts.