Larry J Thomason

Danville – Larry J Thomason, 78, of Danville, passed away at his home, early morning, Friday, November 14, 2025, in the comfort of his family. He was born August 31, 1947, in Warren, AR to Howard Glyn and Ardell (Cline) Thomason. He married Cathy Carter with whom he had two sons. He later married Kay (Holdaway) Carter on November 1, 1994, in Las Vegas, NV. She survives.

Also surviving are three children, Jay (Dara) Thomason, Scott (Lalaina) Thomason, and Shelley Carter Coleman; seven grandchildren, Brendon Thomason, Ella Thomason, Greyson Thomason, Isaac Thomason, Derek (Ashley) Coleman, Jacob (Emily) Coleman, and Anistyn Coleman; two great grandchildren, Aron Coleman and Levi Coleman; a brother, Ralph Thomason; and three sisters, Joy Jenkins, Mary (Terry) Jenkins, and Katie DeSchaaf.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Jeff Thomason, sister-in-law, Diane Thomason, brother-in-law, Greg Van Cleave, a niece, Amy King, and a nephew, Brandon “BJ” Thomason.

Larry first served his country when he enlisted in the United States Army where he served from 1966-1968. He was a Vietnam Veteran and left the service as a Staff Sergeant. In 1970, Larry began his 49-year career as a policeman with the Danville Police Department, retiring in 2019. For 13 years of his time with the Danville PD, Larry served as the Director of Public Safety for Danville Police and Fire. He was also a member of the Illinois Police Benevolent and Protective Association for 14 years, acting as President for 4 years. During this time, he helped take the PB & PA of Illinois from near bankruptcy to a premiere organization. He was also a member of the Unit #11 Danville PB & PA for 33 years and a past member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. In addition, he was a life member of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, Three Kings of Peace, as well as many other boards and committees in law enforcement, serving as chair or vice-chair. Larry’s dedication as a policeman also extended to the classroom when he taught Laws of Evidence for two years at DACC.

His involvement in the community extended beyond his work in law enforcement. Larry was a life member of the American Legion Post #210 in Danville where he served three consecutive terms as Commander. There he was proud to have revived the Post #210 baseball program. Among many other accomplishments, Larry helped to organize and complete the pay-off on the mortgage for the IGHS. He was also a 44-year member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Illinois, Olive Branch Lodge #38 and a 32nd degree Mason with the Scottish Rite Valley of Illinois. He was a board member and served as chair for the Salvation army in Danville, a past member of the NAACP, a Past President of the Illiana Genealogical and Historical Society, and a member of the Fairmount Conservation Club.

Most of all, Larry was proud of all his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was especially proud of his wife, Kay, for all the love and support throughout their time together as husband and wife.

A service to celebrate the life of Larry J Thomason will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834. Pastor Robbie Ketcherside will officiate. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville with military honors to be conducted by American legion Post #210. Visitation will be held from 5-8 PM on Wednesday, November 19, also at Sunset in Danville. Masonic Rites will be conducted by Olive Branch Lodge #38 at 4:45 PM prior to visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Larry’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or Crossroads Christian Church, 3613 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61832.

Please join Larry’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.