Lawrence William Thonn, Sr.

Lawrence “Larry” Thonn, Sr., age 89, was born on September 14, 1936, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to New Orleans natives Lawrence Victor Thonn and Lillian Esther Owens Thonn. He took his final breath on June 14, 2026, at 1:26 a.m., surrounded by his loving family.

He was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife of 66 years, Noella Joan Sinclair Thonn. He was also preceded by his parents and his brothers, Alcide Thonn, Sr. and Jacob Thonn, Sr.

Larry is survived by his sons; Lawrence Jr. (Tina), Terrence S., Tracy F. (Ping); and his daughter, Shelda Thonn Melancon (George); along with a large host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was a wonderful, loving father who was deeply involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren. Larry coached, mentored, and supported Boy Scouts and many community events. He taught his boys how to be men and taught his daughter how to conduct herself with respect and confidence.

He was a proud Dad, Grandfather, Step-Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather to a whole host of family members he loved.

Larry and his late wife Noella built a fun, prosperous, and blessed life together through faith and family. Although he loved his family dearly, he often said he was simply “too old” and missed his lifelong wife, Noella, who passed away in the same bedroom just three years earlier. He looked forward to crossing over to be with her, his parents, and his brothers.

Larry was a lifelong, devoted employee of Wallace C. Drennan, Inc., a New Orleans-based contractor, where he worked his way up from Operator and Carpenter to General Superintendent. He retired at age 68 after 50 years of dedicated service.

He enjoyed boating, fishing, music, square dancing, cruises, vacations, and playing cards and bingo with his friends and family.

Thank you, Lawrence Thonn, Sr. It has been a wonderful journey. You will be dearly missed until we gather again with Jesus.

Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd. in Hammond, Louisiana, 70401, on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until the Celebration of Life Service at 1:00 p.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home.