Larry Schloss

SEMO Track years 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967 Larry Schloss
Jackson, MO High School 1963
Events Cross Country, 1-mile, 2-mile, and 880

Larry Schloss passed away on May 25th 2024 in Tucson, AZ.

Larry won 1-mile and 2-mile races at the MIAA indoor conference track meet in 1967.

Larry ran Cross Country, Track, and was a graduate assistant & Cross Country Coach at SEMO before his time in the Army.

Photo # 1 - Larry Schloss in 1966.

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Larry's Obituary

Larry Lane Schloss, age 79, of Tucson, Arizona passed away on May 25th, 2024 after a long battle with cancer.  

Larry was born in Jackson, Missouri February 3rd, 1945, to Albert and Minnie Schloss. Larry is survived by wife, Linda, sons, Tyler and Derek, daughter-in-law Michelle, Grandchildren Luca, Mila, and Nolan, a great grandchild, Penelope and siblings Kaye and Jerry with several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Larry was raised in Jackson, Missouri before going to Southeast Missouri State University. Larry was a great runner and basketball player in his youth and was rewarded with a scholarship in track and field to SEMO, running the mile and 2-mile races. During his youth, Larry held many records in various high school sports and was elected to the Jackson High School Hall of Fame in 2022.  

Larry was drafted, served in the army and the war in Vietnam following graduation from SEMO. Just 2 weeks prior to being deployed to Vietnam, he married his long-time girlfriend, Linda on June 14th, 1969. A year later, Larry returned, applied to graduate school at the University of Arizona, was accepted and Larry and Linda moved to Tucson, Arizona. Larry taught and coached at Catalina High School before beginning a career selling insurance. Shortly after Larry started his own insurance agency that he ran for over 40 years before turning it over to his son, Tyler.

Larry was very active in his community and contributed countless hours to many organizations and charities like youth hockey, his church of Rincon Congregational, homeowners associations, track and field officiating for the U of A, and interfaith community services. Larry was able to foster many meaningful relationships through his work in the community that he held dear. His generosity and desire to be a positive influence on the community was an example to all.

Larry was an avid runner and built many long-lasting relationships over the miles at Sabino Canyon, various country clubs, or anywhere else he and his friends could get a few miles in. He was also a tremendous sports fan in general, but UofA athletics and St. Louis Cardinals baseball are his first loves.

Larry was a very outgoing, friendly, and loyal man, and seemed to enjoy all the relationships and people he had come across over the years, regardless of how long or short those relationships lasted. Mostly, he enjoyed spending time with family, traveling, reading, his chocolate lab, Poppy, his beloved wife, Linda, and whatever time they could get with his grandchildren. 

The Memorial will be at Rincon Congregational Church, at 122 N Craycroft on July 13th, 2024. There will be a celebration of life following the Memorial at a venue to be determined. Further details will be made available shortly.  

In honor of Larry, the Family would appreciate donations being made to Casa Maria Soup Kitchen, Interfaith Community Services or to a cancer research charity of your choosing.   

Photo # 2 - Larry Schloss, Bruce Frankie, Art Miller, Coach Marvin Rosengarten, George Hester, Lenny Corso are the SEMO Track participants that are/were in Arizona.2014 SEMO Track summer lunch - July 24 at ''The Wood' in Maplewood.

Photo #3 - Rick Barker, Bill Becker, Jim Stoverink, Dave Lehmann, Dan Malone, Curtis Williams, Coach Marvin Rosengarten, Bill Wirtz, Larry Schloss, Tim Rademaker, Walter Smallwood are pictured on July 29, 2021 at 'The Village Bar' in Des Peres. All of these men were on the 1966 SEMO Track team.

Photo #4 - Marty Corcoran, Rick Barker, Jerry Schloss & Larry Schloss are pictured at 'CJ Muggs' on July 28, 2022.

This one hit me hard!!  I first saw Larry when, as a Senior in High School, he won his district cross-country meet at Jackson.  He was a terrific runner and an even better person.  I stopped by Tucson on my way out to LA just late last year and stayed the night with Larry and his wife.  We went out for dinner and discussed the "Old Days" and his health.  He seemed fine but was on some meds.  I later wrote him a note thanking he and his wife for their hospitality and mentioned that although I beat him a few times and he beat me a few times, I always considered him a better runner.  Larry was a warm guy and a wonderful friend.  I simply can't believe he's gone.  I'll need time to get over this.

When my time comes and you hear a thud later in life you can't quite figure out, don't be concerned.  It'll simply be Larry and me running some over-distance.

Clyde Miner

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This is a shock!  Two deaths announced in one week.  Larry was not only a friend and teammate, but he was also  a person I looked up to; a mentor.  Larry, Clyde, and Tom McCraken helped to encourage me to stick it out when I first tried out for cross country.  He was one of the leaders we all admired.  The world has lost a truly great person, and we all have lost a really great SEMO runner and friend.

Bill Becker

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Larry was a true friend from those early SEMO days through recent conversations.  His honesty, mentorship and work ethic pulled me through those early freshman cross-country days and guides me well into today.   He will be missed beyond belief.   Peaceful journey my friend.

Lenny Corso

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This one really upset me.  I had run against Larry when I was at Rolla and with him when I was at Cape.  He was a phenomenal distance runner but more importantly a wonderful person.  Lots of good memories from the times we all spent together.  My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.  Can’t believe we lost 2 great guys in a single week.

John Dishon

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I extend my heartfelt condolences for the loss of Larry Schloss. His legacy as an accomplished athlete and dedicated coach will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.

Larry’s achievements at the MIAA indoor conference track meet in 1967 winning the 1 mile and 2 miles races —demonstrate his exceptional talent and determination. His passion for running extended beyond personal victories; he also contributed to the sport as a graduate assistant and even my Cross Country Coach at SEMO.

After his time in the Army, Larry relocated to Arizona, where he spent his career. His commitment to athletics and his community undoubtedly touched many lives.

May Larry’s memory continue to inspire and uplift those who knew him.

Terry Hopkins