Larry Thomas

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she was truly the love and light of his life

Larry James Thomas, age 79, of Atchison, Kansas, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2026, at the Benedictine Living Community of St. Joseph after a battle with cancer. He was born on October 29, 1946, in Atchison, Kansas, the son of Albert Owen Thomas, Sr. and Catherine “Eleanor” (Foley) Thomas. He graduated from Maur Hill Prep class of 1965 and continued his education at Highland Community College and Emporia State. Larry married Carol Ann (Melnychuck) on June 1, 1982, in Ketchum, Oklahoma, and she was truly the love and light of his life. Carol preceded him in death on January 20, 2020.

He served his country in the United States Army from November 7, 1967, until his honorable discharge on February 22, 1969, and achieved the rank of E6 Staff Sergeant, earning the Bronze Star for heroic acts during his one-year service in Vietnam. His military service remained an important part of his life, and he continued to support fellow veterans by sending countless donations to numerous veteran organizations for those in need.

Larry spent his adult career as a millwright and was a part of building Iatan Power Plant and then ended up spending the rest of his career as a mechanic at Iatan. He never missed a day during his thirty-five-year tenure. He served as the United Way Rep for Iatan for the greater Kansas City Area. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, having horses, camping, RVing and could be summed up as an all-around outdoorsman. He loved animals and always had a few dogs at his home.

He was a member of St. Benedict Parish and attended mass at St. Joseph Church. He was also a member of American Legion Post #6 in Atchison. These parts of his life reflected his steady devotion to faith, community, and those who had served alongside him.

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His military service remained an important part of his life

Larry is survived by his sons, Stephen Mahoney and Leo Mahoney; his brother, Albert “Al” Thomas, Jr., a nephew, Mark Thomas; as well as four grandchildren, Jessica, Sean, Leo, Alexander and Nicholas Mahoney; and three great-grandchildren, Carrera, Madison and Miki Mahoney. His family and friends will remember him with love and gratitude for the life he lived and the care he showed to others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Owen Thomas, Sr. and Catherine “Eleanor” (Foley) Thomas; his wife, Carol Thomas; his son, Sean Mahoney; and his twin brother, Gary Thomas, who died at four months old.

Larry will be remembered with respect for his service, with affection for his devotion to family, and with gratitude for the kindness he extended to veterans and to his community.

Larry’s life will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, with all services at St. Joseph Church. A rosary will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by visitation. A funeral mass will be at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Jeremy Heppler, OSB, as celebrant. He will be laid to rest at Mt. Calvary Cemetery and a lunch will follow the burial back at the lower level of St. Joseph Church. Memorials are suggested Wounded Warriors in care of the funeral home.