Obituary of Larry Cleveland

Larry Larkin Cleveland 

Larry Larkin Cleveland, 86, son of Larkin and Pheoba (Landis) Cleveland born in Deadwood, South Dakota, died peacefully and entered into eternal life, his wife, the Love of his life, Mary Louise at his side. 

Larry grew up in Wyoming and the Northern Black Hills of South Dakota. He was active in sports in high school. He tried his hand at bareback riding and enjoyed being a rodeo clown. 

After graduating from Belle Fourche High School in Belle Fourche, SD, Larry enlisted in the US Navy as a Navy SeaBee, serving in a Construction Battalion in many locations including Vietnam. After his service in the Navy, he returned to civilian life and completed his undergraduate studies at Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD. Larry earned his Masters Degree from Northern Arizona University. "Fear the AXE; GO Jacks" 

Larry began his teaching career at Ray District High School in Kearny, AZ. He married Mary Louise in 1975, and they moved to Tucson when he accepted a position at Sahuarita High School.(SHS) as a history and social studies teacher. In addition his classroom duties, Larry coached football, boys and girls track and field and the heptathlon and decathlon. After leaving the classroom, Larry accepted a temporary position as SHS Athletic Director and stayed for 11 more years. In 2007 he retired with 31 years of service. His legacy includes starting the SHS boys and girls cross country teams, 3A South Athletic Director of the Year and induction into the SHS Sports Hall of Fame. 

Larry spent his entire life serving others. He was a faithful member of the Roman Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, St Martin de Porres Council 6848. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 549, Tucson , AZ. In retirement, he was active as both a high school and U of A track and field official. 

Larry was an avid hunter and fly fisherman with many stories to tell. Also, he was an extremely crazy Raiders fan, following the team beginning in 1960, no matter what city they called home. 

Larry was preceded in his death by his parents and his brother William. Larry is survived by his son, Michael (Jenn Musial) and the Love of his life, Mary Louise. He is also survived by brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, his nephew Bill (Becky) Cleveland, cousins, many nieces, nephews, Brother Knights, and many great friends. 

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Larry's memory to the NAU Foundation, Louie's Cupboard (c/o Shannan Rice) or to the Knights of Columbus, St Martin de Porres Council 6848 is suggested. 

Visitation will be held at Bring's Memorial Chapel on 23 January 2024, from 3:00-6:00 PM with the Rosary being held at 5:00 PM. Mass will be held at St. Joseph's Church 24 January at 10:AM with burial following at Our Lady of the Desert, Tucson, AZ.