Lary Richard Thomas Jr., 47

Lary Richard Thomas Jr., 47, passed away at his home in Sagle on Tuesday, June 1, 2004, after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, June 7, 2004, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sandpoint Stake Center on Schweitzer Cutoff Road in Sandpoint. Military honors will be held at the Pack River Cemetery following the service. Friends may call at Coffelt's Moon Chapel from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, June 6, 2004, to pay their respects.

Larry was born on Oct. 6, 1956, in Sandpoint, the son of Lary and Bonnie (Strandy) Thomas. He attended local schools and graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1974.

He entered the U.S. Navy following his graduation and worked in the electronics division.

Lary returned to Sandpoint and owned and operated his own trucking company, Thomas Sand and Gravel. He also worked for Spokane Transfer as a truck delivery driver and worked for Interstate Concrete and Asphalt as an asphalt plant operator for 10 years, retiring this year due to health reasons.

He married Lavonne Camille (Blilie) Allen on Aug. 2, 1987, in Sandpoint and they resided in Sagle.

Lary was an avid Harley Davidson rider and loved to hunt and fish. He also loved playing with his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Lavonne Thomas of Sagle; his children, Melissa, Aunnalise, Jerry, Khristopher and Roger; his grandchildren, Jessie, Taz and Makayla; his father, Lary (Lorna) Thomas Sr.; a brother, Kevin (Teresa) Thomas; his sisters, Bonnie Plaster (Larry Cooke) and Teddi (Scott) Crabb; his father- and mother-in-law, Harlan (Leila) Blilie; his brother-in-law, Jim (Mery) Blilie; his sister-in-law, Kari (Brad) Underdahl; and nieces and nephews, Tara, Kari, Preston, Kenna, Tyler, Kyra, Cody, Tory, James, Amelia, Hanna, Drew, Leif, Philip and Richelle. Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends also survive.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Bonnie Jane Thomas; grandparents, Elmer and Mary Thomas and James and Dottie Strandy; and his best bud, "Bear."

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt's Funeral Service of Sandpoint.