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APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. -- Larry W. Thomas, 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at his home in Apache Junction, Arizona.
Born to Kenneth and Rose Wetshtein Thomas, of Palmyra, Ohio, Larry was a Southeast High School graduate along with his brothers, Richard "Dick," John and Dan and sister, Kathy Goodhart. Larry continued his education at The Ohio State University and was a proud graduate of the aeronautical/aerospace industry. Larry spent much of his 20s hiking, camping, bicycling and white-water rafting throughout the country. He was a man of faith and a longtime parishioner of Our Lady of the Lakes Parish, St. Catherine Catholic Church, Lake Milton, where his kindness and volunteerism were well-known.
After retirement, Larry moved to Conifer, Colorado, where he helped his brother, Dick (Nancy), to build a beautiful, mountainside home, which they shared for 20 years. Larry loved nature and photography, as well as the landscape of Colorado. Upon the passing of his brother, Dick, in 2025, Larry moved to Apache Junction, Arizona. He enjoyed his final year surrounded by the beauty of the Arizona mountains and family.
He leaves his brothers, John Thomas of Harrisburg, Pa., and Dan Thomas of Springfield, Ohio; sister, Kathy (Tim) Goodhart of Cortland; daughters, Michele Catania of Lake Milton, Melissa (Dave) Niessner of Mesa, Arizona, and Samantha Thomas, also of Mesa; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Larry was a generous man and gave to many charities. Donations to the Parkinson's Foundation and the American Cancer Society may be made in his name.
A celebration of life will take place in the spring of 2027 in Lake Milton, where Larry spent most of his life. He could always surprise with his quick wit and humor, knowing exactly what to say at each moment. Larry was a kind and loving man who will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
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