Larry James Thane

Larry James Thane of Deford, age 76, passed away on Friday, August 23, 2024 at Autumnwood of Deckerville. Larry was born February 3, 1948 in Cass City, the oldest son of Garth J. and Betty (Herrington) Thane. He graduated from Caro Community Schools with the class of 1966. Larry proudly served in the U.S. Army as Sgt. E-5 with the 101st Airborne Assault Helicopter Division in Vietnam from 1967-1970. On January 10, 1970, Larry married the love of his life, the former Janet D. Parrott at Ellington Church of the Nazarene. Their marriage was blessed with over fifty-four years, three wonderful children, and countless memories.

Larry was known for his unwavering work ethic throughout his life. From working for local farmers at a young age to driving trucks for various companies, he eventually found employment at General Cable until its closure in 2001. However, his favorite job was driving a school bus for Highland Pines students of the Tuscola County Intermediate School District, where he retired in 2016. Larry was an active and dedicated member of the Deford Community Church, where he faithfully served as an usher, greeter, and earlier in his life, a Sunday School teacher. His devotion to his faith and love for the Lord was unwavering.

A lover of all things western, Larry owned several horses and enjoyed collecting John Wayne movies and memorabilia, as well as watching every episode of Gunsmoke. Known for his dedication and pride in a job well done, Larry was a hardworking man with a fun sense of humor. He was always quick with a joke, and his laughter and love will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Larry leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Janet; children, Jim (Brenda) Thane of Fenton, Stacey (Matthew) Buckner of Sterling Heights, and Jared (Christina) Thane of Deford; seven grandchildren, Braden, Bryce, Vanessa, Rylee (Rodney), Ethan (Madison), McKenna, and Conner; sister, Kay (William) Munger of Geneva, Indiana; sister-in-law, Nancy Thane of Caro; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Sharon and Jerry Hillaker of Snover, David and Connie Parrott of Cass City, and Rebecca and Tim Malette of Hancock; several nieces and nephews. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Garth and Betty Thane; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bill and Cora Parrott; brothers, Robert and Kevin Thane; and most recently, his sister, Diane Thane.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024 at the Deford Community Church at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. David Cooper officiating. Burial will be held in Ellington Twp. Cemetery following the service, with a luncheon at the church following the burial. Larry’s family will be present to receive visitors on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Deford Community Church or Deford Christian Academy.