Obituary for Larry Thomas

Larry Clinton Thomas

(June 14, 1938 – July 7, 2016)

Larry Clinton Thomas, age 78, longtime resident of Ponca City, passed away Thursday, July 7, 2016 at his home.

The family will greet friends at Trout Funeral Home from 2-5pm on Monday, July 11. A ceremony to gratefully remember Larry's life will be held at 10:00am Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at the Eastern Heights Christian Church in the older chapel with Pastor Danny Cox and former pastor Larry Leatherman officiating. Casket Bearers will be Chris Thomas, Steve Kalmeyer, Jared Kalmeyer, Jordan Kalmeyer, Herbie Small, and Doug Perry. Flower bearers will be Madison Thomas and Kristi Thomas. Following the ceremony, he will be laid to rest at Resthaven Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

Larry was born on June 14, 1938 to Ralph Lafayette Thomas and Gladys "Sally" Thomas in Ponca City. He was raised in Ponca City graduating from Ponca City High School in 1957. Following high school, he attended Central State University (UCO) for both his undergraduate and graduate studies. On August 26, 1962 he married the love of his life, Arlene Small. They celebrated nearly 54 years of marriage. Through his working career, he worked for Conoco, Sohio, and British Petroleum before retiring in 1995. After retirement, Larry honed his golf game and helped with the construction of the new sanctuary for Eastern Heights Christian Church where he served as an elder at the church. Larry also formerly served as a board member at the Opportunity Center and the Ponca City Country Club. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, tinkering with mechanics, gardening and working the family farm in Osage county. Above all, he loved his family and enjoyed their time together. Larry was a man of dignity, respect, and selflessness, endeavoring to embody the Christian morals he steadfastly held.

Survivors include his beloved wife Arlene of the home, cherished children: Chris Thomas and wife Kristi of New Franklin, OH, Debbie Kalmeyer and husband Steve of Oklahoma City, adored grandchildren: Madison Thomas, Jordan Kalmeyer, and Jared Kalmeyer. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Opportunity Center, 2225 N. Union, Ponca City, OK 74601 or the Ponca City Humane Society, PO Box 1671, Ponca City, OK 74602.

Soure: Trout Funeral Home