Larry “Butch” Lex Thomas, 74, of Bloomington died Sunday, December 22, 2019 in I.U. Health Hospice House. He was born July 16, 1945 in Linton to Lawrence R. Thomas and Metta L. Thomas. He was the owner of Larry Thomas Excavating.
Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Susan M. Hagemeier Thomas of Bloomington; a daughter, Sasha B. (husband Bobby G.) Davis of Bloomington; a son, Brent “Bubba” W. Thomas of Bloomington; three grandchildren, Kobe, Hallie and Annie Davis; a brother, Kenneth (wife Reba) Bradley Thomas; a sister, Linda Thomas Saks; and five nieces, Jackie (Brad) Jackson, Jodi Key, Jeri (Dave) Gossman, Darcie (Tom) Lawalin and Danielle Thomas. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Memberships include North Central Church of Christ, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 841, Monroe County RC Club, Academy of Model Aeronautics and served in the U.S. Army and National Guard from 1967 – 1971. Butch was honest and humble, his eyes always told a story and you never left a conversation with him without a smile on your face. He loved visiting Disney World and going on Disney Cruises to the Caribbean; enjoyed going to the beach with friends; a connoisseur of sweets, especially pies and peaches; had a memorable sense of humor that could break through any tense situation; had a servants heart that looked for teachable moments; always looked for the laugh through his famous “Story Time” moments as his family all gathered around to listen with great intensity; LOVED his grandchildren with every ounce of his body up until the very end and had a deep bond with all three; included the phrase “God bless all the children of the world” in every prayer; believed in hard work and determination and impressed that upon his family; he always said “You never work a day in your life, if you love what you do”; and he loved his job because he got to play in the dirt every day.
Funeral Services are scheduled for Monday, December 30, 2019 at 10:00 AM in Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home, 4150 E Third St with his son-in-law Bobby Davis officiating. Entombment will follow in Valhalla Memory Gardens where the Monroe County Veterans Honor Guard will have Military Honors. Visitation will be Sunday, December 29, 2019 from 2:00 – 6:00 PM in the funeral home.
If friends so desire, Memorial Contributions may be made to North Central Church of Christ, 2121 N Dunn St, Bloomington, IN 47408 or I.U. Health Hospice House, C/O I. U. Health Foundation, PO Box 1149, Bloomington, IN 47402.
