Lawrence Edward Thomas

Lawrence Edward “Larry” Thomas was born April 10, 1938, in Freeport, Illinois to Chester A. and Anna Maria Thomas; the youngest of seven children.

Larry served in the U.S. Army doing a tour of duty in Korea from 1955 to 1958 and was active in the Army Reserves for another eight years. Larry worked at Berg-Warner Division for eighteen years; then as a healthcare administrator for the American Religious Townhall for thirty years. He was also the announcer for their television program, The American Religious Townhall Meetings and did promotional work during that time.

Larry loved his God, his family, and his church where he served as lay Pastor, taught Sabbath School, bible study, and was a song leader. He never met a stranger and drew in everyone around him with his big smile and beautiful, bright, shining blue eyes. Larry always had an uplifting word and was kind and generous to all.

Larry was well loved and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Thomas of Mineral Wells, Texas, two daughters: Deborah Thomas of Mount Vernon, Texas and Dana (Fred) Marshall of Leesville, LA, four grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and six great- great grandchildren.

Larry was preceded in death by both parents, three brothers: William, Lowell, and Richard, sisters: Wanda Lasher and Bonnie Sundberg all of Rockford, Illinois

A visitation will be held from 1:00 to 2:00 pm on Friday March 14, 2025, with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 pm at Baum Carlock Bumgardner Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Woodland Park Cemetery.