Walking On: Larry Douglas Cole, Lanny “Butch” Leroy Thomas

Lanny “Butch” Leroy Thomas

Aug. 3, 1942 – March 7, 2026

Tribal Elder Lanny “Butch” Leroy Thomas, 83, a longtime resident of Grays Harbor, Washington, died March 7, 2026, at his home.

Lanny was born Aug. 3, 1942, in Aberdeen, Washington, to Frank S. and Mathilda A. (Cunningham) Thomas.

Lanny served in the U.S. Navy until his discharge in December 1967. He worked in the logging industry in his younger years until later when he operated his own automotive repair shop.

He had a love for cars and always had several projects in the works.

In addition to his wife, Peggy, surviving relatives include a daughter, Shelley (Jason) Haddix, of Castle Rock, Washington; a son, Terry (Lisa) Thomas, of Woodland, Washington; two sisters, Lana Takhar of Grand Ronde and Mary Emerson of Van Nuys, California; and three grandchildren, Tyler Boatsman, Bryan Thomas and Elizabeth Thomas.

Lanny was preceded in death by his first wife, Judy (Stoken); grandson, Aaron Boatsman; and siblings, Delcie Totten, Frank “Buck” Thomas and Eileen Nichols.

A celebration of life was held at Rotary Log Pavilion in Aberdeen Sunday, March 22. A private urn committal at Hoquiam’s Sunset Memorial Park will take place later. Cremation arrangements are by Harrison Family Mortuary in Aberdeen.  

Larry Douglas Cole

Dec. 29, 1935 – March 21, 2026

Tribal Elder Larry Douglas Cole walked on March 21, 2026, at the age of 90.

A memorial service was held Friday, March 27, in the Tribal gym, followed by a gravesite service at the Tribal Cemetery. A meal followed at the Elders Activity Center.

Bollman’s Tribute Center is assisting the family.