Lawrence Thicksten

March 8, 1931 — June 5, 2025

Lawrence “Larry” Eldon Thicksten, 94, of Decatur, IL, died June 5, 2025 at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Visitation Service will be held 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Central Christian Church, Decatur, IL. A service will immediately follow at 11:00 AM. Central Christian Church will be livestreaming the service. Memorials in Lawrence’s honor may be made to Central Christian Church Music Ministry.

Lawrence was born March 8, 1931, at the family’s farm home in Putnam County, IL, the son of R. Earl and Vora (Lawrence) Thicksten. In 1952, he married Sally E. Fourmont. He served in the U.S. Army for two years during the Korean Conflict; during which he was honored with a medal of good conduct.

Upon returning home from the army, he had various jobs in and around Prophetstown, IL, but wasn’t satisfied until he got into banking. He worked his way up from teller and janitor at the Prophetstown National Bank to president of the Maroa-Forsyth Community Bank.

He was a member of Central Christian Church for over 50 years and served as an elder. He enjoyed playing basketball and softball when he was young, and golf and bowling as he got older. He loved all sports as a spectator. Gardening and reading were other hobbies, and he was always busy.

Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Sally Thicksten; children, David Thicksten of Decatur, IL, Larry (Janet) Thicksten of Decatur, IL, Karen (Rick) Kitchell of O’Fallon, IL; 6 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild; brother, Darrell of Oklahoma; and sister, Doris Hagin of Arizona.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Ronald and Roger; sisters-in-law Barbara and Millie; brother-in-law Delano Hagin; four nephews; and one niece.

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