COURTESY NOTICE

Larry Duane Thomas

Son of Nellie May Armitstead Thomas and Elmer Lee Thomas (both deceased). Born at Cunningham, Kansas

Was named James Armitstead Thomas for the first 3-4 months of life and then name was changed to Larry Duane. (Dad thought Armitstead was too big a name for little boy) Preceded in death by older brother Donald Dean Thomas and long time companion Alex Katz.
Moved from Cunningham to Attica, Kansas in 1940. Attended Attica grade and high school where he graduated valedictorian of his senior class in 1953. Larry 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 active 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 Deerfield, Moline, Morland, and Scott City, Kansas. 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. There he was involved in musicals and community performances. His choirs have performed in the Senate rotunda in Washington, DC; Air Force Academy Chapel; Boulder, Colorado; 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 with the St. Louis Symphony under the direction of Leonard Slatkin. He was accepted to sing with the St. Louis Metro Singers and directed them for 5 years, retired from directing, and continued to sing with them. He has directed the Metro Singers in the Busch Stadium, Royal Stadium, K.C. Cathedral Basilica, St. Anthony Cathedral, and various venues throughout the St. Louis area. He was choir director and organist for the Des Peres Baptist church for many years.

Larry is survived by his long time companion, Ed Beard, nieces Cherie Shelite and Mary Rosenberger, and many grand nephews and nieces and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Saint Louis Metro Singers.