Ret. U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Larry Wayne Thrash

Retired United States Army Sergeant First Class Larry Wayne Thrash, 53, of Frederick, Maryland, died unexpectedly on Thursday, June 2, 2022 in Frederick, MD. 
Born in Abilene, TX, on August 8, 1968, he was the son of Douglas Wayne Lightsey and Arlene (Cade) Lightsey and grandson of Ervin and Evelyn Lightsey and Elmer and Ruby Cade. 
Larry graduated from MacArthur High School, San Antonio, TX, in 1986 and attended Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX. He grew up as a member of the Northside Church of Christ, San Antonio, and volunteered as a firefighter in Douglas and Arlene’s beloved second home, Comfort, TX. 
For 24 years, Larry proudly, diligently, and professionally served his country, retiring as a United States Army human resources specialist at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, on May 31, 2016. He was noted for “continuous, honorable active service.” 
Larry previously was stationed in Germany, Kosovo (Campaign Medal), Iraq (Campaign Medal), and Afghanistan (Campaign Medal). He also served at Fort Drum, NY, with the 10th Mountain Division, earning the Meritorious Service Medal, and was stationed at West Point, NY, among other stateside sites.  
In addition to campaign medals and numerous meritorious achievement commendations, stars, and ribbons, Larry was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for “exceptional and meritorious service” during Operation Iraqi Freedom combat operations. He was also entered onto the rolls of the “Order of the Combat Spur,” 3rd Squadron 7th Cavalry Regiment, and was awarded “Gold Cavalry Spurs” during Operation Iraqi Freedom. 
Larry’s family offers its deepest gratitude to the loved ones, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and professionals who tried to reach out to Larry as he lived with the effects of PTSD, as well as to those who have offered support and kindness after his death.  
Devoted to his family, Larry is survived by his parents, Douglas and Arlene, his sister Lana (Karl) Biermann, niece, Kendall Biermann and nephew, Erich Biermann, as well as his precious canine companion, Lexi. 
A celebration of Larry’s life and loyalty, followed by interment with full military honors, will take place at Ft. Myer Memorial Chapel, Arlington National Cemetery, 101 McNair Road, Ft. Myer, VA 22211 on April 10, 2024 at 3:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.