Larry L. Pinkerton, 86, passed away on Monday, November 13, 2023 at Indiana University Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis.
Born on June 9, 1937 in Warsaw, Indiana he was the son of John and Norma (Adams) Pinkerton. He attended Warsaw High School graduating with the class of 1955. Larry went on a football scholarship to Ball State University receiving his Master’s Degree in Education, he also played on the baseball and basketball team. During a party at Ball State, he met Beth through a mutual friend, and as they say, the rest was history. On February 5, 1961 he married Beth in Warsaw, they shared 62 years of marriage together.
For 37 years Larry dedicated his life to teaching, mentoring and coaching at the high school level. Working in Muncie, Griffith, Monticello and finding his way to Plymouth where he served as Principal for 19 years before retiring in 1996. His years spent as a Principal at Plymouth High School he served in various leadership positions for the IHSAA and helped further the opportunities for student athletes at PHS and everywhere in the state. A recipient of the Sagamore of Wabash for his leadership in education. After retiring from teaching, he went to work for Awards America and made sure to hand deliver the school awards throughout the state.
Larry was a laid back, quiet and an easy-going man that tried to emulate the late UCLA coach John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success. In his spare time, you could find Larry playing 18 at his favorite golf course.
Larry was a member of the Plymouth School Board, First United Methodist Church in Plymouth, American Legion Post #27, Loyal Order of Moose 741, Kiwanis, Plymouth Country Club, IHSAA Board of Directors, Indiana Secondary School Administration.
He is survived by his wife Beth of Plymouth; sons: Christopher Pinkerton of Plymouth; Nick Pinkerton of Plymouth; Charlie (Laura) Pinkerton of Fishers, IN; sisters: Karen Baum of Greensboro, NC; Lana Griswold of Cincinnati, OH; grandchildren: Makenzie and Logan Pinkerton of Fishers; IN.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023 from 11-1 pm at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. Funeral services will immediately follow with Pastor Lauren Hall officiating.
Please click the link below to live-stream the funeral service:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86864918506
Burial will take place in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth.
Memorial contributions may be given to Plymouth High School in c/o Building Trades, 1 Big Red Drive, Plymouth, IN 46563.
Steve Keiser says
Larry was a wonderful man and such a great teacher and principal. He will be greatly missed. He was a great friend.
LORI MCCLELLAN says
Beth,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Larry has touched so many lives and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are being sent to you and your family.
Bryan Ames says
Larry was an absolutely wonderful man. He was a pleasure to work with and always had kinds words for everyone. He will be missed by all of us who worked with him on a regular basis.
Mary & Rick Lenglade says
Larry was a wonderful man and a great father-in-law to our daughter Laura. We loved celebrating holidays together and special events. Larry will be missed by many !!!
Wanda swihart says
So sorry to hear of his passing .was my principal in high school .always a pleasure to see him doing same thing I love play slots .will be missed prayer for his family
Doug Hite says
I will truly miss my old poker and golf buddy .
Vicki Manuwal says
So very sorry for your loss. Mr Pinkerton was my principal. He was always very kind and always present with the kids! Nothing but great memories of him.
Kim Eads Jones says
Beth and family please accept my sincere condolences. You all have suffered a heartbreaking loss. I always enjoyed Larry. The many lives he has touched (and there were many!) are mourning with you.
Sarah Young says
Larry was a wonderful man and friend to my dad. He visited him often when his health was failing. Our family appreciated that so much. I will remember him fondly.
Sarah Young
Fred Funk says
So sorry for your loss. Larry was great freind
Suzie Clevenger says
Beth ~ My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Years ago, Dr Hill’s vision was to add an alternative school to PSC and Larry was on the hiring committee. He took a chance and hired me to begin the program. Throughout the next 20 some years, Larry was always a wonderful proponent for the Alternative school and me, and instrumental in making the school a success. I am always grateful for the support and encouragement along the journey as well as his continued support for all of Plymouth School Corporation. He was true student’s first philosophy.
Suzie
Christine Pickell says
Larry is the reason Bob and I ended up in Plymouth. Larry was friends with Bob Pickell, Sr. at Ball State. It was through that friendship that we learned of the Choral Music opening at Plymouth. Our friendship went beyond administrator, Awards America, and the golf course. A great man. Our family is very sorry for your loss.
Dan Whitmire says
I might have played with Larry his last time a Plymouth country club. Didn’t know it would be the last one. I met him when I played basketball and Monse for Franklin junior high, and he was the coach of Wilson. I didn’t see him again till I came to Plymouth from outside and he was the principal played a lot of golf with him over the summers really enjoyed him and he was a good friend.
Melanie Collins says
Beth, Nick, Chris & Charlie
I am sorry for your loss. Larry was a wonderful person and a good friend, he will be missed.
Don Harrison, Bremen High School says
Larry was a friend, mentor and colleague for many years. I valued his leadership and wisdom. His contributions to the Plymouth school system, and to his fellow principals throughout the state were exceptional. Please accept my sincere condolences on his passing.
Linda Zeider says
I remember when Larry & my Dave were in the Industrial Assoc and would have lunch together. What a devilish pair. RIP larry.
Linda Starr says
Dear Beth, Nick, Charlie and Chris,
We were sad to hear of Larry’s passing.
We will always treasure the many memories we have of good times together!
My God surround you with his comforting love through your many friends and family!
Love,
The Starrs
Phyllis Alspach says
To Beth and family,
We were so sorry to hear of Larry‘s passing. I enjoyed working for him and having a couple of your boys in class. Please accept our condolences.
Dick and Phyllis Alspach
Ren Van Gilder says
A good, good, man.
Sincere thoughts,
Ren and Beverly
Van Gilder
Laura Jeffirs Kruyer says
Beth and family,
Larry will be missed. He cared deeply about PCSC. It didn’t matter if you were a student, parent, or teacher, his door was always open. Even through his retirement, he made it a point to say hello and share a kind word whenever he saw someone he knew. His influence on our schools and community will be remembered.
Ed Barcus says
Mrs. Pinkerton(Beth) :-), Nick and Charlie,
I was very saddened to hear of Mr. Pinkerton’s passing. He was a very kind, fair and all around nice person. His dedication to PHS and the PCSC after his retirement is an example of going above and beyond. Hopefully you’ll find comfort in knowing how he was still very respected by those who passed him in the halls even 40+ years ago.
Lana K Griswold says
Larry is my brother and I have so many wonderful memories of him growing up. Loved watching him play all his sports both in high school and college. He was a good man and has a wonderful family. Married for 62 years to Beth who is a super wife and mother. We will all miss Larry (gone to soon).
Love you ,
Lana (Your sis)
Lawrence Miller says
Dear Family: My thoughts and prayers are with the Family durning this time. 🙏🏻😥
Lawrence Miller says
Dear Family: My thoughts and prayers are with the Family during this time. Remember LARRY and all the memories you shared.🙏🏻
Lisa Mercer says
Beth,
Love and hugs to you and the family. It’s funny to think that I only worked directly for Larry for one year…..he always made me feel like one of his teachers no matter what. His love and support for all students will be greatly missed.
Donna Burroughs says
Larry was always positive, supportive, and upbeat. I enjoyed the years we worked together at Plymouth. He will be missed.
Ty Roach says
Mr Pinkerton was a really big influence on me at a time when I needed it. He was a great human, mentor and teacher.
Jodi says
My prayers and condolences go out to the family and his many friends. Larry was Principal when I attended high school, he was always so kind.
Brad Fackler says
Mrs. Pinkerton and family,
I had the opportunity to consult with Mr. Pinkerton about transition for my Lincoln students to Plymouth High School. He was always kind, friendly and positive. It was a pleasure working with him for the benefit of our students. You have Teresa and my deepest sympathy.
Stacy (Danielson) Turley says
I am so very sorry for your loss. Mr. Pinkerton was the Principal of PHS when I was in high school. I always looked up to him, and he was so friendly and accepting of me. I always had great respect for this great man. My prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time.
Robb Brummett says
I am sorry for your loss. He was always kind to me in high school.
Dick Tobias says
Memories of my time with Larry will continue to make me smile for years.
He was my friend and my mentor and provided support and encouragement as I continued my journey in education.
I thoroughly enjoyed my years working with Larry at Plymouth High School.
Rest well, my friend.
Patricia Leech says
Beth & Family,
Prayers to all of you in your loss of a very fine man. Larry hired me to work at PHS as a Hall Monitor many years ago, and we became friends thru that job. I never hesitated to stop by his office if i needed to address an issue, his door was always open. Then later a new position was created and I became the Substitute Teacher Co-ordinator, doing that job along with the Hall monitor job until the Co-ordinator position became a full time one. Larry (& Beth) were Great Supporters to me during Both of those jobs and I appreciated their support more than they may ever have known. He was a very special person and he will not be forgotten.
Karen Swihart Lee says
Karen Swihart Lee. I graduated from
Plymouth in 1982. Best principal!!!! I have been teaching for 38 years so I have experienced many principals. He was very patient and ran an efficient school. Larry was personable to his students. He would talk to the students in the building and attended athletic events. I can’t say enough about him. I have remembered his compassion for Plymouth students and athletes all these years. Principals today are not made like him. What a wonderful man!
Bill Nixon says
Beth, Chris, Charlie and Nick,
Please accept our deepest sympathy. He was my friend, my boss and that never seemed to be a problem. I always admired the way Pink could relate to teachers, students , janitors, non-certified staff and never do it from a position of authority. He was the same to everyone. I remember that every fifth period he would make a tour of the building, he would stop in and we would have a brief conversation. It didn’t seem like much but I soon realized that it gave me a feeling of confidence that the person who was in charge was there. After his retirement I would see him many mornings and he never failed to come over and say hello. There were many days he would be on the golf course and we would have a conversation if not playing in the same foursome. Sibyl and I will both miss him. He was a special person!
Tom Condon says
Beth, Chris, Charlie & Nick,
Peggy & I were very sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. I have so many great memories of Larry at P. H.S. & the Plymouth Country Club. I will always appreciate his support when teaching & coaching at P.H.S. All the Condons were fortunate to be under his leadership at P.H.S. No doubt Larry is is heaven organizing a golf match with Larry Roahrig and all of the ole gang who were waiting for him at the “Great Golf Course” above.
May he rest in peace.
Tom & Peggy Condon
Paul D Williams Jr says
Mr. Pinkerton was a great man. Always looked out for us at PHS and made sure we knew he cared. Rest easy sir.
John Strycker says
Plymouth high School was blessed to have Mr. Pinkerton lead with care and dedication.
I was personally blessed to have Mr. Pinkerton in my life.
He cared for each student as demonstrated that by his actions as a lifelong educator.
He will be missed.
Shirley Gidley says
Beth. Chris,Nick, Charlie and all the families
Such a pleasure to work with Larry. When I was on the Board we had a great understanding and access to what needs were.
As a sub, again it was a great working relationship!
Friendships and memories never fail us.
I know that your love will always be there. God Bless.
As a friend, we had many laughs , stories, great understandings.
Friendships and memories never fail us! I know that your love for him will never fail each of you!
God Bless!
Jana Oliver says
Beth & Family , what a good man always spoke , friendily & a very positive man. Always backing & still did after retirement just a good man❤️ He will be missed by many🙏🙏
Dave Hoover says
Beth, Charlie, Nick, and, Chris, I am so sorry for your loss. Larry was such a wonderful person! I always enjoyed running into him anytime, anywhere. I was lucky enough to grow up around all of you and he treated me just like I was one of you boys. Whether it was a pat on the back or kick in the pants. He will be missed by so many. Love you guys!
Marie Albertson says
Beth, Sorry to hear about Larry. He will be missed by many people. Larry helped me at a time of need which was appreciated.
Anna Bach says
Dear Beth and Boys –
I have followed your journey in my heart. Please be comforted in knowing how much Larry was admired and loved by those who knew him – and especially those who worked with him. He was my first boss in Plymouth and risked giving a newbie to to the area her first temporary job in the school system. I will always remember his welcoming smile and his gracious support throughout our years together in the same mission – helping kids. He will always be “Mr. Pinkerton” to me. Sending love –
Ann