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Larry Gene “Short” Thomas

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Birth	:	15 May 1930 Burton, Keya Paha County, Nebraska, USA
Death	:	6 Nov 2018 Gregory, Gregory County, South Dakota, USA
Burial	:	Saint Joseph Cemetery, Gregory, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate	:	43.2202988, -99.4338989
Description	:	Larry Gene (Short) Thomas, 88, of Gregory died on November 6, 2018 surrounded by his children. Larry was born on May 15, 1930 in Burton, Nebraska the son of Glen and Verne (Sylvester) Thomas. He grew up on the Thomas farm near Mills, Nebraska attending the Mills Country School throughout his education and earned his forever nickname ‘Short’. Short worked as a farmhand at several neighboring farms during his teenage years. In February of 1952, soon after Short’s 21st birthday, he was drafted into the United States Army. He was on the front lines of the Korean War until... Read More	Larry Gene (Short) Thomas, 88, of Gregory died on November 6, 2018 surrounded by his children. Larry was born on May 15, 1930 in Burton, Nebraska the son of Glen and Verne (Sylvester) Thomas. He grew up on the Thomas farm near Mills, Nebraska attending the Mills Country School throughout his education and earned his forever nickname ‘Short’. Short worked as a farmhand at several neighboring farms during his teenage years. In February of 1952, soon after Short’s 21st birthday, he was drafted into the United States Army. He was on the front lines of the Korean War until November of 1953. He learned a great deal about life while he was in Korea but most of all, he embraced life, treasuring all people and journeys on his path. Upon Short’s return to the States, he began work for Iden’s Body Shop in Gregory, SD. It was here in Gregory that he eventually met his future wife, Corine Stukel. Short was baptised at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in 1958. On August 8, 1959 he was united in marriage to Corine Stukel. The following year they welcomed their first child, Jeffrey. Five more children were born to this union: Teresa, Julie, Mary Kay, Paul, and Andy. Short and his partner opened their own business in 1965, the Gregory Body Shop. Eventually, he took over the business exclusively spending many years providing quality work, and he always had hot coffee on for customers and friends. The Body Shop crew was his second family. He owned and operated the business until he retired in 2000 but continued helping and visiting friends and family at the business for years to come. Short enjoyed the serenity of a long country drive, usually around his childhood home place. He embraced others, recognizing that everyone has a story and a journey. He loved to help others, provide funny stories and adventures, and he always looked for opportunities to make a difference in the world and still create laughter. He was the first to help those in need, and he lightened those around him with his sense of humor. He was a fierce protector and supporter of his kids and family, no matter the circumstances. He was a strong-willed man with the gentlest of hearts. He showed no fear in his journey and would sacrifice everything for those he loved. He loved athletics, watching football but thoroughly embraced baseball. He spent many years involved with the local baseball program - eventually he assisted with coaching both the Gregory Teeners and Gregory Legion. Short was a long-time member of the American Legion, the Burke VFW, and he was a proud supporter of the Gregory Athletic Club. Short most enjoyed time with his family and friends, often with a whiskey water and some storytelling. During the last few years of his life, he and Corine lived at Silver Threads in Gregory, then Avera Rosebud Country Care Center. Short is survived by his wife Corine of 59 years, his three sons: Jeff (Darla) Thomas of Gregory and their children Rihanna and Haley, Paul (Anita) Thomas of Brookings and their children Zachary (Erinn) of Brookings, SD, Matthew of Kansas City, Ks, and Sydney of Lincoln, Ne, Andy (Renee) Thomas and their children Grant, Emma, Gannon, and Elliott Mae, all of Gregory, daughters: Julie (Bill) Robins of Black Hawk and their child Danielle (Tyler) Johnson along with children Kasyn and Blaklei of Rapid City , and Mary Kay (Bryan Arzdorf) of Marshall, Mn and children: Kristan (Tim) Witham along with children William and Benjamin of San Francisco, Ca, and Karrie (Tony) Alberts along with children Jackson, Marley, Samuel, and Thomas of Marshall, MN. He is also survived by two sisters Edith (Roger) Wentworth, Margaret Strickland, and sister-in-law Sonny (Thomas) Kyser along with many nieces, nephews, and other friends and relatives. Short was preceded in death by his parents Glen and Verne (Sylvester) Thomas, his in-laws Frank and Margaret (Empkey) Stukel, brothers Dean, Wayne, and Chan, sister Eula, his daughter Teresa, grandson John Enke, and great-grandson Andrew Alberts, brother-in-laws Cal Stukel and Royce Mattson. Also preceding Short were his ‘best friends’ Joker, Gus, and Riley. Contributor: Mark Collins (47492688)

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Larry Gene “Short” Thomas's memorial?
Larry Gene “Short” Thomas's memorial is located at: Saint Joseph Cemetery, Gregory, Gregory County, USA.
When did Larry Gene “Short” Thomas death?
Larry Gene “Short” Thomas death on 6 Nov 2018 in Gregory, Gregory County, South Dakota, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Larry Gene “Short” Thomas's memorial?
Latitude: 43.2202988
Longitude: -99.4338989

Family Members:

Parent

Glen Thomas

(1893 - 1958)

Verne E. Sylvester Thomas

(1895 - 1985)

Siblings

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Saint Joseph Cemetery
Gregory, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2202988, -99.4338989

2. IOOF Cemetery
Gregory, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2380000, -99.4480000

3. Czech National Cemetery
Gregory, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2118988, -99.4636002

4. Dallas Hillview Cemetery
Dallas, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2271996, -99.5310974

5. Saint Augustine Catholic Cemetery
Dallas, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2263940, -99.5334467

6. Evangelical Zion Lutheran Cemetery
Dallas, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1401970, -99.5147400

7. Graceland Cemetery
Burke, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1847000, -99.3022003

8. Sacred Heart Cemetery
Burke, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1507988, -99.2913971

9. Peace Cemetery
Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.0816994, -99.3946991

10. Gregory County Home Cemetery
Gregory, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1253014, -99.2866974

11. Sully Cemetery
Lucas, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2770000, -99.2380000

12. Saint Johns Catholic Cemetery
Paxton, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.0823490, -99.5336010

13. Johnson Family Cemetery
Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1755028, -99.2228660

14. Lucas Cemetery
Lucas, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2991560, -99.2189780

15. Dixon Cemetery
Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.3932991, -99.4738998

16. Lucas Catholic Cemetery
Lucas, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.3005981, -99.2193985

17. Petersen Cemetery
Burke, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2539558, -99.1770172

18. Herrick Cemetery
Herrick, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1110000, -99.1970000

19. Saint Isidore Catholic Cemetery
Colome, Tripp County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2638200, -99.7223800

20. Colome Cemetery
Colome, Tripp County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2638245, -99.7223816

21. Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery
Jamison, Keya Paha County, USA
Coordinate: 42.9977989, -99.3139038

22. Brozik Family Cemetery
Dixon, Gregory County, USA
Coordinate: 43.4599755, -99.3854681

23. Gibson Cemetery
Tripp County, USA
Coordinate: 43.0642014, -99.6908035

24. Rock Valley Cemetery
Wewela, Tripp County, USA
Coordinate: 43.0641300, -99.6918100