Larry’s Story
Larry Thomas was a Son, a Father, a Big Brother, Educator, and a positive figure to his family and friends. Larry was a High School Teacher, mentor, and confidant to youth, and his reputation is well known throughout the state of Arizona and High School sports. Larry believed in every youth's dream and when he decided to help anyone with their goal it became his mission to push through any barrier on the way to successfully reaching their individual goals.
For those of you that know Larry know it was common to hear him say, “What’s your plan?” If they didn’t have one, they were about to get one. Larry believed every youth has potential; it was very important to him that no youth goals would ever be cut short. Young people found strength through Larry and found potential in themselves that in many cases they didn’t know they had. Larry had a way of showing young people that even during the worst situations, he would negotiate the process and help them achieve dreams far beyond their expectations.
Larry excelled in High School football, track & field. He was a 1991 graduate of Tempe H.S. After High School, Larry attended and played football for Scottsdale Community College. Before completing school, Larry decided to enlist in the U.S. Marine; seeing action in the Persian Gulf War and the Somalia conflict. After discharging from the Military, Larry realizing the importance of completing his college course work, he began “his plan.” By this time Larry was a young father and had a young family to take care of. Larry began his professional career working with youth at the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections working with Arizona’s most troubled youth. During this same time, Larry was a Co-founder and Director of the Garret House, a youth group home for troubled youth. In 2007, Larry established the Arizona Saints Sports Club that today still provides organized sports activities for boys and girls.
In 2007 Larry completed his Bachelors’ degree. Larry also received two master's degrees, 2012 and 2019. Larry began his teaching career at Cactus High School and later transferring to Desert Edge High School, and Cooper Canyon High School. At his passing Larry held the position of Drop Out Coordinator and Head Varsity Track coach at Mountain Pointe High School.
Larry loved teaching and coaching young kids. It allowed him to be the mentor and trainer for young people. He taught everyone how to live your best lives. He was a rock in our community and left a priceless legacy to his family, friends, and all the young people whose lives he has impacted.