Aug. 16, 1951-Aug. 15, 2024
Dedicated husband, faithful supportive father, teacher, singer, avid reader and student of the gospel. Larry Dean Thompson, 73, of St. George Utah, died peacefully of PSP surrounded by his family in the early morning hours on Aug. 15, 2024.
Larry was born in Salt Lake City on Aug. 16, 1951, to Lawrence Thompson and Wanda (Layton) Thompson. The oldest of six children with two working parents, he learned responsibility and work ethic from an early age. Larry graduated from Jordan High School before attending Utah State University, earning a degree in accounting in 1976. He served in the Tennessee-Kentucky mission, beginning a lifetime of missionary and church service.
While at USU, Larry met Jane Hurst while attending the same singles ward in September 1972. But it wasn’t until a later chance meeting at the business school bulletin board and an institute dance in the spring of 1973 that Larry finally asked Jane out. Jane initially didn’t think Larry was interested, perhaps even a little stuck-up, but this began a relationship that would last over 50 years until Larry’s passing.
Larry and Jane must have been excited to start a family because they had four sons in four years. They would have two daughters and one more son before completing their family in the years that followed. Their seven children would become Larry’s greatest joy and primary focus. He became an avid participant in whatever they did, becoming an umpire when a child took up little league baseball, a certified track official when children took up track, the official statistician on the high school football team and later the announcer for both the football and wrestling teams. He was involved in school committees, church organizations, and academic pursuits, anything in which his children took part. This dedication continued on with grandchildren. Being blessed with 19, Larry never missed a milestone, big or small, until his health prevented him from doing so.
A lifelong student of the scriptures, Larry taught early morning seminary while all of his children were in high school. He continued on to teach at various institutes of religion over the years and left this earth with an enviable religious library. He loved to think and learn, and could often be found reading a book even while watching sports. When a student or one of his kids came with a question, his first response was always the same, “look it up” preferring one make an effort for knowledge.
Larry had a beautiful tenor voice and took every opportunity to sing. He sang in local church choirs, as well as many regional choirs including singing for the dedication of the San Diego temple. He acted in several plays, sang at weddings and birthdays, and passed along his love of music to his grandchildren.
Life took Larry and his family to several cities including Vernal, Utah; Blanding, Utah; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Brawley, California; and finally St. George, Utah. But it was Brawley they ultimately called home and where they would spend 25 years. Not enough can be said about how much they came to love this little desert town and the many people there who would become lifelong friends. They made friends, served others, and impacted lives in each place as Larry and Jane spent their time in service, expecting their children to do the same.
Larry will always be remembered as a person who focused on family and the savior. Someone who could be relied on, who you could call if you were in need no matter the time or circumstances. His mantra was to “buck up” and he had little patience for people feeling sorry for themselves. Larry left this earth too soon, which is perhaps fitting as he had to be everywhere early. We couldn’t have asked for a better husband, father, grandfather, brother, or friend, and we will miss him dearly.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Wanda, his brother Rodney Thompson and his daughter Abby Thompson, and is survived by his sisters Margaret and John Yancey, Cindy and LaVor Bristol, and Terri Bingle, brother David Thompson, children Philip and Jenny Thompson, Jacob and Maranda Thompson, Scott and Sami Thompson, Dean and Allyson Thompson, Torry and Kevin Thornock, and Louis and Brielle Thompson, and 19 grandchildren.
A service will be held on Friday, Aug. 30, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located 449 South 300 East, St. George, Utah. Viewing from 9:30-10:30 a.m., memorial service at 11 a.m. There will be a graveside service Saturday, Aug. 31, at the Blanding City Cemetery 450 North US 191, Blanding, Utah, at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the missionary fund or humanitarian fund for the Church of Jesus Christ would be greatly appreciated.
A special thanks to Sun Tree Hospice for the wonderful care they have provided over the years. In particular Sara, Trinity and Hoagan for their patience, guidance and concern.
Arrangements are under the direction of McArthur Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 160 West 700 South, St. George, 435-652-2844. Family and friends are invited to click here to sign Larry’s online guest book.
