Larry Charles Thomas, Sr.

Portrait of Life

On March 17, 2025, Larry Charles Thomas, Sr. peacefully entered eternal rest in his heavenly home. Larry, affectionately known as "Larry Tee," was born in Lake Charles, LA, on November 13, 1951. He was the third of four children born to the late Rosie Lee (Jackson) Thomas Aubry and Barney G. Thomas. Larry attended Riverside Elementary and Washington High School. While in school, Larry was active in sports and had a passion for football, baseball and track. Following graduation, Larry Tee joined the United States Air Force where he completed a tour of service in San Bernadino,CA, Turkey, and the Philippines. While serving, Larry united in holy matrimony with Geraldine "Gerri" Jones Thomas, and to this union, two children were born, Tara Nicole and Larry Jr.,

Larry received an Honorable Discharge in 1974 and returned to Lake Charles where he began employment with South Central Bell for 15 years and worked a few years with Local 207 Laborers Union.  In 1987, Larry went to work as a mail carrier with the United States Postal Service, where he was employed for over 25 years until his retirement in 2011.  Larry owned and operated Thomas Independent Lawn Service for many years, using the skills he learned at an early age from his father Ernest Aubry.

His love for his country led him to continue to serve in the U.S. National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve.  A Master Sergeant with the 366th Finance Command, Larry received the Purple Heart Medal of Honor in Feb, 2003 for his bravery during a tour of duty in Kuwait when he and a fellow soldier were shot by a deranged Kuwaiti policeman; he was also awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. This honor recognizes exceptional contributions that significantly enhance military operations, efficiency, or quality of life. Over the remaining years of his life, he was recognized numerous times for service to his country.

As a young child, Larry loved all sports and continued to enjoy them until he was unable to do so. Throughout the years Larry played and coached softball, baseball, football, and basketball. He also enjoyed attending sporting events and activities of his children, and grandchildren.  He was an avid bowler, winning many tournament awards and setting records throughout the city, state and region.  Larry was recognized for his high bowling scores in both the American Bowling Congress and the United States Bowling Congress. For many years, he sponsored his bowling team "Thomas Independent Lawn Service." Larry also enjoyed a good game of dominoes and 'cards'. The highlight of his retirement was sitting in his garage, talking noise and playing dominoes with his best buddies, the late Vurnell Joseph and his late brother-in-law 'Larry' Collins. He enjoyed traveling, taking trips with his family to either visit family or vacation to new places. As a proud member of Washington High School Class of 1969, Larry loved organizing class meetings, reunions and activities for his classmates.

Larry was a lifelong active member of Reeves Temple CME Church, where he was faithful until the end. He was a member of the Steward Board, Finance Team, Male Choir, Prayer Choir, Men's Day Committee, Church Anniversary Committee and of course, the BBQ Team. Larry loved to sing and play the guitar (at least that's what he called it); you could find him singing his favorite song "Cooling Water" by Lee Williams on any given Sunday. He even shared a few impromptu solo performances at church a few months ago.

In 2015 Larry united in holy matrimony with Bridgette Marshall, of Lake Charles. Together they enjoyed traveling, attending concerts, sporting events, church events, Mardi Gras balls and hosting family gatherings. During his health challenges, Bridgette, served as his primary caregiver, making sure he attended his beloved church, musicals and sporting events.

Larry will be missed and remembered by his many family members and friends as a quick-wit comedian, a giving person and a lifelong devoted Dallas Cowboy fan.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents Rosie Lee & Ernest Aubry; his father Barney G. Thomas; infant sister, Elizabeth Thomas, and brother, Barney "Butch" Thomas.  Larry leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Bridgette Thomas, children; Tara Nicole (Chris) Simien, Larry C. (Julise) Thomas, Jr., all of Lake Charles, Evangelist Latoya Citizen, of Houston, TX.; two sisters, Rose (Glenn) Richard, and Carol A. Collins (Rodney) Geyen; grandchildren, Tyler Simien, Crysten Simien, and Lainee Thomas; bonus children; Donovan Kennedy of Lake Charles, Taylor Marshall of Iowa,LA, and Torre Marshall of Lake Charles; bonus grandchildren Mekhi Kennedy and Jeyla Marshall; godchild Karmen LeBlanc; mother in law, Ola Mae McMarion and one aunt, Victoria Green of Flint Michigan; special friend (caregiver) Lisa Richard, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.