Larry’s Story
Larry Thomas was a son, a father, a big brother, an 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. When he decided to help anyone achieve their goals, it became Larry’s mission to push them past any barrier on the way to success.
For those who know Larry, 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’s goals would ever be cut short. Young people found strength through Larry and the potential they didn’t know they had. Larry had a way of showing young people that, even in the worst situations, he would navigate the process and help them achieve dreams far beyond their expectations.
Larry excelled in High School football and track & field. He was a 1991 graduate of Tempe H.S. After high school, Larry attended Scottsdale Community College and played football. Before completing school, Larry enlisted in the U.S. Marines, seeing action in the Persian Gulf War and the Somalia conflict. After discharging from the Military, Larry, realizing the importance of completing his college coursework, began “his plan.” By this time, Larry was a young father with responsibilities of caring for his family. Larry began his professional career 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, which today continues to provide organized sports activities for boys and girls.
In 2007, Larry completed his Bachelor’s degree. Larry also received two master’s degrees, in 2012 and 2019. Larry began his teaching career at Cactus High School, later transferring to Desert Edge High School and Cooper Canyon High School. At his passing, Larry held the position of Dropout Coordinator and Head Varsity Track coach at Mountain Pointe High School.
Larry loved teaching and coaching young kids. It enabled him to serve as a mentor and trainer for young people. He taught everyone how to live their 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.