Lawrence Thomas

(From Ulmer Funeral Home)

Lawrence Thomas, 89, passed away Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in Columbia, Missouri. Lawrence was born in Lawrence County (near LaRussell, Missouri), on May 8, 1937, to William Dudley Thomas and Moriece Hopton. He graduated in Miller, Missouri with the “Class of 1954."

Lawrence joined the U.S. Navy and worked as an MP (military policeman) while serving his country. He retired from Schreiber Foods after 36 years. Lawrence operated the Jasper County Courthouse historical elevator from January 2008 to October 2019. He also served on the Carthage City Council and as mayor protem. Lawrence loved his family and his grandchildren very much. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, dancing, and singing. Lawrence was part of the Wrinkled Roosters and played at Bob Hayses “The Hootenanny”. He was of the Baptist faith. 

Lawrence was united in marriage to Florence Peterson on February 8, 1958, at a little church in Plew, Missouri; she survives. 

Lawrence is survived by his loving wife of 68 years; son, Brent Thomas of Carthage, Missouri; daughter, Lisa Perry and her husband, Jon, of Carthage, Missouri; grandchildren, Joe Thomas and wife, Heather, Jared Thomas and wife, Candy, Chris Perry and wife, Casey, Stacy Sanchez and husband, Cruz, Eric Perry and wife, Amy, Blaine Perry and his wife, Chloe, and Marli Perry; and great grandchildren, Justin Thomas, Savana Hill, Samantha Thomas, Jakob Thomas, Ty Perry, Cael Perry, Trey Perry, Braiden Sanchez, Lucy Sanchez, Mason Sanchez, Cole Perry, Allie Perry, Paige Perry, Berkli Perry, and one on-the-way in May 2027. Lawrence leaves a beautiful, loving legacy of extended family and friends that will miss him greatly. 

Lawrence is preceded in death by his parents and stepparents, William and Della Thomas, and Garlin and Moriece Whitmire; brothers, James and Jess Thomas (twins), and Lloyd, George, and William Thomas; and sisters, Juanita Cockrin and Bonnie Zuback. 

A funeral service for Lawrence will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026, at Ulmer Funeral Home in Carthage. His family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. prior to service. Lawrence’s pallbearers will be Joe and Jared Thomas, Chris, Eric, and Blaine Perry, and Cruz Sanchez. 

Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com. 

Contributions may be made to the Missouri Veterans Home or Fellowship Cemetery in care of Ulmer Funeral Home. 

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.