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 Crown Point, 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) Kesler, 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 20, 2026,  6:00 - 8:00 p.m., McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah.

Funeral Services: Monday, September 21, 2026, 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!