Jerry Larned

Jerry Larned was born March 25,1938 in Haskell, Texas to Joe and Florence Larned, and passed away Saturday March 18 ^th , 2023 at his home in Abilene. He was the youngest of four children. He graduated from Haskell High School where he participated in all sports. He played collegiate basketball at North Texas State in Denton, Texas. Jerry married Elizabeth Key from Throckmorton, Texas. They were married 60 years, and dedicated their lives to education, as teachers, principal, coach, and superintendent.

Jerry spent time coaching at Bowie, Hamlin, Duncanville, Iraan, SuI Ross State University and spent many successful years in Monahans. He was named West Texas Coach of the Year in 1967, 1973, 1974, 1976 and was South Plains Coach of the Year in 1974. Jerry served as director of the Texas High School Coaches Association and served as Master of Ceremonies for the Hall of Honor luncheon at coaching school for 13 years, where the state champion coaches are honored. He was voted into the Texas Panhandle Hall of Fame in 1982.  Jerry received the Distinguished Service Award from the Texas High School Coaches Association in 1987. He was inducted into the Coaches Association Hall of Honor in 1992, and the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame in 2012.

Jerry served as Superintendent of the Monahans schools three different times, and was twice named Region 18 Superintendent of the Year. He retired once to run the Kent Companies in Midland for former player, Bill Kent. The Monahans school board lured him back for another four years. He retired again, but not one to sit still, he coached at New Mexico Military Institute, served as interim superintendent in Kermit, Boerne and again in Monahans. He was honored in 2003 by having the multi-sport athletic facility renamed the Jerry Larned Sports Complex.  In 2004, Jerry was hired as Athletic Director at McMurry University. After 3 years, Jerry retired again, but continued to work for the Kent Companies.

Known as the "Ole Coach", Jerry was a sought-after speaker for sports clinics, sports banquets, business conventions, educational meetings, and as an after-dinner speaker.

Jerry always found time to work in his church and community. He served as Chairman of the Methodist Administrative Board, was President of the Monahans Chamber of Commerce, President of the Rotary Club, Chairman of the Ward County Appraisal District, Economic Development Consultant, and in 1985 was voted Outstanding Citizen in Monahans.

With the many honors and awards Jerry received, he was always modest in his acceptance.  He preferred to pass off most of the praise to his players, assistant coaches and teachers.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Florence Larned, brothers, Kenneth and Joe Larned, Jr., sister, Alta Faye Harvey, son Todd Dean Larned and daughter Pam.

He is survived by his wife, Beth, chosen grandson, Buck Kent, nieces, nephews and special "sons" and "daughters".

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, March 21st at 2:00 pm at Aldersgate Methodist Church, 1741 Sayles Blvd, Abilene, TX. A private burial will be held earlier in the day in Haskell.  Arrangements are under the direction of Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut St. in Abilene.

Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com .  If you wish, donations may be made in honor of Jerry to either of the following organizations.

Bronze Lobo Statue Project c/o First Baptist Church, 504 S. Alice Ave. - Monahans, TX 79756

Aldersgate Methodist Church, New Hymnal Fund

1741 Sayles Blvd. - Abilene, TX 79605

Hendrick Hospice Care, 1651 Pine St. PO Box 1922 - Abilene, TX 79601