Lawrence R. Thomas

Lawrence (Larry) Robert Thomas passed away peacefully at home with his beloved family on December 11, 2022 after a brief but strongly fought battle with brain cancer. Larry was born on November 7, 1943 to Guida (Durnil) Thomas and Joseph Thomas in Detroit Michigan. After graduating from Lakeshore High School in St. Clair Shores, MI, Larry attended Port Huron College and Eastern Michigan. Larry was drafted into the army 1966 where he attended Fort Riley Kansas Boot Camp. He fought in the Vietnam war where he met many of his lifelong friends and brothers in the 9th infantry division. Larry met the love of his life Karen Wasik shortly after returning from Vietnam in 1968. They were wed at Saint Gertrude’s Catholic Church in St. Clair Shores, MI on June 5th 1970. They shared almost 53 years of love, laughter, and happiness. They welcomed three daughters and 7 grandchildren. Larry worked at Safran’s printing company as a printer from 1969 to 1982 when it closed. He worked at Valasis Printing company from 1983 until his retirement in 2008. Once he retired, Larry spent his free time with his treasured grandchildren as often as he could and enjoyed watching all their sporting events and helping with anything they needed. He and Karen loved going to the casino together. Larry also loved watching the Detroit Lions and Pistons. Larry was an avid news and political aficionado and spent his free time watching and discussing the news. Larry was a kind soul and always took care of everyone around him. He was giving and generous. He worked tirelessly for his family. He will be greatly missed as he was the light of his family. His boisterous voice and laugh would fill any room he was in. He had a way of making people feel like they were the most special person around. If he had a dollar, he would give it to anyone that needed it. He was truly selfless. Larry was predeceased by his mother Guida Thomas and his father Joseph Thomas. He is survived by his wife Karen Thomas, his daughters Sara Thomas, Melissa (Ryan) Gray, Rachel (Matthew) Sabaugh. His grandchildren, Zachary Thomas, Madeline Gray, Elizabeth Gray, Alexander Sabaugh, Sophia Sabaugh, Nathan Gray, and Gabrielle Sabaugh. He is also survived by his sister Janie (Thomas) Kushniruk. The family will greet friends at Mandziuk and Son Funeral Directors of Sterling Heights on Sunday, December 18th from 3:00PM until 8:00PM. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, December 19th at 10AM at Mandziuk and Son Funeral Directors of Sterling Heights.

Lawrence R. Thomas

November 7, 1943 - December 11, 2022