Thomas Ray Large

Thomas Ray Large, age 50, a resident of Leavenworth, Kan., died Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014 at his home in Leavenworth. He was born Feb. 9, 1964, in Fort Scott, Kan., the son of Merle E. Large and Dorothy Wiley Large. Tom retired from the United States Air Force after 23 years of service to his country. While with the Air Force he was stationed in various bases around the world mainly in the Middle East. He enjoyed fishing and bowling and was an avid Kansas City Chief football fan. He also enjoyed writing poetry. He was a member of the Leavenworth V.F.W. post.

Survivors include two daughters, Whitney Large of Warner Robins, Ga., and Chandley Large of Immokalee, Fla.; his mother, Dorothy Hofman, Fort Scott; his father and step-mother, Merle and Judy Large of Illinois; three brothers, Curtis Large and wife, Tammy and Chuck Large and wife, Beth, all of Meredosia, Ill., and Fred Large, of Fort Scott; four sisters, Dianna Brown and husband Russell, of Clinton, Ill., Susan Brown and husband Jim, of Fort Scott, Joyce Christison, of Houston, Texas and Gena Surratt and husband James of Meredosia, Ill. Also surviving are his long-time companion, Randy Jackson of Alexandria, Va., and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members. His first grandchild, Asher Ray will be born in December. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and a nephew, Aaron Brown.

Rev. Chuck Russell will conduct funeral services at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 10 at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U.S. National Cemetery where full military honors will be provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post No. 1165 Veterans of Foreign Wars. The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott. Casual dress is encouraged. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.