Laurence E. Thomas

Laurence E. Thomas, was born in Marlow, Oklahoma March 12, 1925 to Laurence C. and Oma Thomas and was called home on November 28th, 2024. Larry, aka Tommy, grew up in Shattuck, Oklahoma, attended Shattuck High School and was active in athletics and band. Dad worked throughout school at the Stock Barn during the week and at the Shattuck grocery store on the weekends. During High School he accepted the Lord as his Savior and received a believers’ baptism … in Dad’s words he was “dunked in the tank”. Two weeks after graduation Uncle Sam drafted Tommy into the service for World War II. Dad was a member of the 8th Army Air Corps, serving as a radio operator in a transportation – ferrying squadron serving in England, France and Germany. After the War, Dad joined the Air Force Reserve serving as an intelligence officer and Air Force Academy liaison officer. He retired as a Major. Tommy entered Oklahoma A and M (now Oklahoma State University) after the war , and was an active member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. During his freshman year, his best childhood friend told him that she had met his future wife. A blind date with Flora Belle Wainscott was set up and he married Flo in 1949. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in geology, Larry pursued a Master’s degree in geology at Oklahoma University. Tommy worked in the oil and gas industry during graduate school and after graduation he was transferred to the oil patch of West Texas working with Sinclair. After multiple mergers and acquisitions in the oil and gas industry, and with 3 young children, Larry pursued a new career path by joining the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a Special Agent. As was the custom at the time, Larry was assigned to several FBI offices in different cities before settling in Cincinnati. He was a member of the Organized Crime unit and investigated bank robberies as well. As a side line, Larry sold business suits to other agents; his most famous client being J. Edgar Hoover, Director of the FBI. After retiring, Larry hung up the suits and began selling golf clubs and teaching criminology at the University of Cincinnati. Larry was a devoted husband to Flo and a wonderful father to Larry Jr, Tim and Pam. Larry never missed an athletic event for the children. He was a successful baseball coach for Tim and led to teams to winning 8 straight championships. Larry also was a softball coach for Pam. He coached us in athletics, was a role model and mentored us in our careers. Larry loved golf. He started playing with his mom at the age of 5, playing on sand greens in Shattuck. Dad shot his age 500 times … just ask Larry Jr! Dad played golf every week and was a member of Misty Creek for over 40 years. Dad was still hitting golf balls and putting at 99. Larry was a member of the Church of the Palms. He loved the Worship service, particularly the bible based practical message delivered from the pulpit every week. Larry is survived by Larry Thomas Jr, Tim Thomas, Pam Thomas, daughter-in-law Mindy, grandsons; Justin (Nicole) Thomas, Jason Thomas, Trevor Thomas and Alex Hugan and granddaughters; Samantha (Erik) Moskal and Emily Hugan as well as by Flo’s sister, Annette Birk. He will be missed by many friends and family. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Jean and Joan, his wife Flo, daughter-in-law Wendy Thomas and by his second wife, Patricia Nairn. The Thomas family wants to thank Samoney, a VA home healthcare provider who helped us care for our dad the last 8 months. We also thank Tidewell Hospice for the care and comfort provided Dad during his last days on Earth. The Thomas family rejoices that Dad’s illness was brief, that he is in the presence of his Lord and Savior, and is reunited with Mom. Larry’s celebration of life will be December 23 at Church of the Palms, memorial chapel at 11 am. A reception will be held at the Thomas home immediately following the service

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Laurence E. Thomas

March 12, 1925 - November 28, 2024