Lawrence “Larry” Thomas Jr., formerly of Peru, passed away in Cincinnati, OH, on April 14, 2025. Larry was born in South Whitley, IN, on September 10, 1938, the son of Lawrence and Dorothy (Bollinger) Thomas Sr. Larry married Karen Eppolite on December 16, 1958, and she survives. In 1956 Larry started his military career. With 20 years service to his country, he served in Greenland, Vietnam, Alaska, Germany and many more lower-48 stateside assignments. In 1976 he retired with the grade of Master Sergeant. In 1984 he began working as a civil engineer at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona. In 1990 he accepted a new opportunity at Edwards Air Force Base in California. Larry’s love of all things motorized started at a very young age, beginning with scooters before graduating to motorcycles, cars and trucks. While stationed in Alaska, Larry raced stock cars and received ‘Rookie of the Year’ honors in 1964. He also enjoyed watching car racing, attending four Indianapolis 500 races, two Nascar races, and Formula One races while stationed in Germany. Larry is survived by his wife Karen; his sons David Thomas of Newport, KY, Michael (Barbara) Thomas of Sedona, AZ, and Gary (Kim) Thomas of Oracle, AZ; grandchildren Erica Thomas, Nicholas Thomas, Chelsey Peters, and Tyler Brantley; great-grandchildren Trey Thomas-Ward, Brylee Thomas, Hudson Thomas, J.C. Brantley, Carson Peters, Connor Peters, Cameron Peters, and Savannah Brantley; and siblings Richard (Kathy) Thomas of Brownville, TX, Rex (Judy) Thomas of Laketon, IN, Linda Glass of Long Island, NY, and Cheryl (Kent) Forman of Franklin, IN. A Celebration of Life, officiated by Reverend Father Adam Mauman, will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, June 14th, 2025, at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St, Peru, IN. Family and friends will gather from 10:00-11:00 AM at the funeral home. A private burial will take place at Ever Rest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Larry’s name.