Lawrence Thomas
WEST CHESTERFIELD, NH- Lawrence E. “Stub” Thomas, 81, died unexpectedly and peacefully at his home early Wednesday morning, May 2.
Mr. Thomas was born in Brattleboro on January 20, 1937, the son of Lawrence and Gladys (Puffer) Thomas. He was raised and educated in Brattleboro and was a graduate of Brattleboro Union High School. He went on to attend the Vermont Agricultural College in Randolph Center, earning his associates degree in Agricultural Science. Soon after he served in the Vermont National Guard.
Mr. Thomas was employed as a heavy equipment operator for Perini Construction Company at the time Vermont Interstate 91 was being constructed. In 1971 he established his own excavation company, Stub Inc., based in West Chesterfield, which he operated successfully until his retirement in 1990. During his earlier years he assisted with the day-to-day operation of his family’s farm, the Thomas Farm, on Putney Road in Brattleboro.
Mr. Thomas was a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Brattleboro Aerie #2445. He was known for his spirit of friendship and generosity, often assisting nonprofit organizations such as Rescue Inc. and others that were in need of support and his professional services. He took a sincere interest in people, enjoyed helping anyone in need, and was active in civic duty in Chesterfield and Brattleboro, and Dover, VT. Mr. Thomas was an avid skier, and enjoyed flying, both fixed wing and in his helicopter.
Descendant family includes three daughters, Sheila Whitcomb, of New London, NH, Pamela Thomas, and life-long partner Tony Atwill, of Hotchkiss, CO, and Gayle Thomas, of Huntersville, NC, and son Ryan Thomas and his wife Cathi, of Medfield, MA; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mr. Thomas also leaves a large host of friends and business associates in the twin-state area.
A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, May 12, at the Monadnock Covenant Church, 90 Base Hill Road in Keene at 11 am, followed by a luncheon reception at the Fraternal Order of Eagles on Chickering Drive in Brattleboro, VT, at 1 pm. For those unable to attend the celebration of life service, it will be streamed live on the internet at www.mcckeene.org.
Burial will be private in the Thomas family lot in Locust Ridge Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest next to his parents.
Memorial contributions in Mr. Thomas’ name may be made to the Winston Prouty Center, 209 Austine Drive, Brattleboro, VT 05301.
