Larry Vernon Thomas

March 25, 1938 - September 11, 2026

Larry Vernon Thomas, loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many, passed away on

September 11, 2026, at the age of 88 - in the twinkle of an eye, sitting in his favorite chair

watching his favorite morning show, BYU Sports Nation. He had just celebrated his 63rd

wedding anniversary with his cherished wife, Janice Gibson Thomas. They were married on

August 16, 1963, in the Salt Lake Temple.

Larry served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southwest

Indian Mission, where he learned the Navajo language and grew to love the Navajo people. After

marrying Janice and both earning degrees at BYU, they returned to the reservation in Crownpoint New Mexico

to teach.

Larry went on to teach 5th and 6th graders in the Jordan School District, where he later retired.

A man of faith, Larry served in many callings throughout his life in the Church and had a special

gift for making others feel loved. He loved the outdoors - boating, hunting, and fishing - and

was an avid golfer and devoted BYU sports fan. He took great joy in gardening, and his

neighbors could always count on a supply of his Jet Star tomatoes. More than anything, Larry

and Janice loved simply sitting outside their home, taking in the view of the Wasatch Mountains

together.

Larry is survived by his wife, Janice; his children, Brent (Joni) Thomas, Jodi (Rob) Kelser, Scott

(Kjeresti) Thomas, and Shari (Karl) Miller; his grandchildren, Kelsey (Steve) Acker, Jordan

(Emily) Thomas, Kimie (Preston) Clawson, Bryant (Janalyce) Kesler, Abbey (Bretton) Randall,

Kilee (Kolt) Hale, Dawsen Thomas, Kayden Miller, Lauren (Taylor) Zesiger, and Brandon

Miller; 12 cherished great-grandchildren; and his siblings, JoAnn (Kidd) Waddell, Phil (Pat)

Thomas, and Brenda (Michael) Keeley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Vera Thomas, and his in-laws, Art and Thelma

Gibson.

Viewing: Sunday, September 20th, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South

Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah

Funeral Services: Monday, September 21st, 11:00 a.m., with a viewing prior from 10:00 -

10:45 a.m., at the LDS Church house, 1480 W Atherton Dr (4310 South), Taylorsville, Utah

Dad, we hope you have made your hole-in-one in heaven. Go Cougs! We Love You!