Larry Duane Thomas, born March 28, 1935 and died December 23, 2014. Larry was born in Cunningham, Kansas to Nellie Armistead Thomas and Elmer Lee Thomas. Larry was actually named James Armistead Thomas for the first 3-4 months of life and the his name was changed to Lartry Duane. Dad thought that Armistead was too big a name for a little boy.
Larry moved from Cunningham to Attica, KS in 1940 and attended Attica grade and high schools where he graduated valedictorian of his senior class in 1953. He was active in music groups and played organ at the Attica Methodist Church. He attended Southwestern College on scholarship where he was a music major and acitve in the Purple Robed Choir, band, orchestra, and small ensembles. He was elected president of the choir as a junior and student director as a senior. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1957. He taught music in Deefield, Moline, and Morland, and Scott City, KS. In Scott City he produced 8 broadway musicals and his vocal groups earned high ratings in festivals. His Girls' Choir was honored to perform at the Kansas Music Educator's convention in Wichita in 1969. In 1970, he moved to St. Louis where he taught choral music in the University City Schools. He was involved in musicals and community performances. His choirs have performed in the Senate Rotunda in Washington DC, Air Force Academy Chapel, Boulder, CO and the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, and various choral festivals in Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, and New Orleans. The University City High School Concert Choir was selected to sing at the Missouri Music Educator's Convention. Larry retired from teaching in 1991.
Larry sang with the St. Louis Symphony Chorus and was honored to perform in Carnegie Hall witht eh St, Louis Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Leonard Slatkin. He was accepted to sing with the St. Louis Metro Singers and directed them fro 5 years, retired from directing and continued to sing with them. He hias directed the Metro Singers in Busch Stadium, Royals Stadium, KC Cathedral Basilica, St. Anthony Cathedral, and various venues throughout the St. Louis area. He was the choir director and organist for the Des Peres Baptist Church for many years
He is preceded in death by his parents; and an older brother, Donald Dean Thomas; and long time companion, Alex Katz. He is survived by his long time companion, Ed Beard; nieces, Cherie Shelite and Mary Rosenberger; and many grand nephews and nieces; any many friends.
A memorial service to honor Larry's life will be held at a later date.
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