Lawrence “Larry” Levi Thibault, 75, died Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022, surrounded by those he loved after valiantly battling Parkinson’s disease for the last 10 years. Through it all; his faith, grace, stoicism and sense of humor never wavered.
Larry was born June 11, 1947, in Osborne, Kan. to Levi and Margaret Thibault. From a young age growing up on a western Kansas farm, Larry learned the meaning of hard work, self-resiliency and reliability. As the eldest son, Larry was relied upon to help sustain the family farm - without complaint he worked tirelessly, sacrificing school athletics and social activities to help support his family. Larry would proudly tell stories of baling hay when he was 10, driving the grain truck when he was only 12 and working ground well before he could legally drive a car. In his free time, he enjoyed working on cars, hunting and spending time with numerous cousins whose friendships he cherished.
After graduating high school, Larry attended Clarks School of Business, in Topeka, where he earned an associate’s degree in court reporting. Upon completion, he accepted his first (and only) job as a court reporter with the Leavenworth District Court. Over the next 41 years Larry would develop many lasting friendships and earned praise from colleagues for his strong technical knowledge and work ethic. Many young attorneys took notice of Larry’s keen understanding of the law and often sought him out for advice - which he would humbly provide without boast or expectation of gratitude.
Soon after moving to Leavenworth, he married Dona Sue Viessman and together they raised two wonderful children, Mike and Tina. Always a farmer at heart, Larry purchased a small farm off Ettinger Road where he would put in long hours after his time in the courts was complete. In addition to being a father, husband, and farmer, Larry was a devout Catholic, served in the Kansas National Guard, was active in the Knights of Columbus where he served as Grand Knight and owned and managed several rental properties where he performed all repairs himself.
Larry was beloved by all and will always be remembered as a simple, humble man who gave to those in need without fanfare or need for recognition. He was well known for his one liners, quick wit and love for socializing. He enjoyed traveling, meeting new people and most of all playing cards with those he loved (but you wouldn’t know that by his aggressive play, as even his grandchildren were given no mercy).
Larry was preceded in death by his father, Levi Thibault and beloved wife of 39 years, Dona Sue Thibault. He is survived by his 100-year-old mother, Margaret; son, Mike (Sheila) Thibault; daughter, Tina (William) Thibault-Wohead; grandchildren, Harper Wohead, Delaney Wohead, Jared Thibault and Josh Dickinson; sisters, Betty Beatty and Barbara Robinson; brothers, Dave (Susan) Thibault and Tim (Cindy) Thibault; in-laws, Sharon and Shawn Scanlon and Michael Kenny; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Visitation beginning with praying the rosary will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church in Lansing. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Succeeding the burial, the family welcomes all of his friends and family to gather at his old stomping grounds, the Leavenworth VFW, at 519 Cherokee St., to enjoy his favorite foods, desserts (as this was never missed), and an abundance of whiskey and beer.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Kansas Farm Bureau, Young Farmers and Ranchers Program. Please send checks made out to the Kansas Farm Bureau to the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home, 4701 10th Ave. Leavenworth, KS 66048. In the memo section please state: Young Farmers and Ranchers Program.