Larry L. Coorts, 85, of Branson, MO, formerly of Adams, NE went to his eternal rest on June 3, 2024 after a brief stay at the Shepherd of the Hills Care Center in Branson. He was born on August 11, 1938, in Emden, IL, the youngest of four sons born to Ralph and Hannah Coorts.  He and his family moved to a farm near Linneus, MO when he was eight years old. After high school he went to college at what is now Truman State University, graduating with a teaching degree, and later with a master’s degree. After briefly teaching at the high school in Mound City, MO, Larry took a teaching job in Adams, NE in 1963 where he spent the rest of his teaching career. Larry was the high school basketball head coach at Adams High School for 35 years and spent decades serving as the school principal and athletic director. He married Sandra Vanderbeek of Adams on May 24, 1967. They were married for 57 years.  Larry’s basketball teams won four state titles in 1968, 1972, 1977 and 1993 with 14 state tournament qualifying teams. Over his career he compiled a 542-227 record. Larry was named the Nebraska State High School Coach of the Year in 1977 and State Athletic Director of the Year in 1992. He was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame in 1999 and National Coaches Hall of Fame in 2005.  In his retirement years, Larry stayed active with his own mowing business. He also enjoyed competitive sporting clays, fishing Branson area lakes, gardening, volunteering for the College of the Ozarks basketball team, and traveling with Sandy.

Survivors include his wife, Sandy Coorts of Branson, MO; daughter, Carla Coorts of Branson, MO; son, Jason (Nikki) Coorts of Nixa, MO; three grandchildren Aaron, Audrey and Asher Coorts; eight nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, June 17, 2024, at the American Lutheran Church of Adams with Pastor Nathan Metzger officiating.  Burial will be at the Highland Cemetery of Adams.  A family prayer service will be held at 10:15 A.M. on Monday at the church.  Visitation will be on Sunday, June 16, 2024 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Fox Funeral Home of Adams.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the family’s choice.  www.foxfuneralhome.net   Fox Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Adams is in charge of the arrangements.