Lawrence Warren Cummins
July 9, 1930 ~ September 22, 2010

Published in The Monterey Herald on September 26, 2010

CARMEL, CA - Larry Cummins, 80, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on September 22, 2010. Larry was born in Willows, CA on July 9, 1930, the only child of Louise and Lawrence Cummins. He graduated from Willows High School in 1948 where he was a three-sport star athlete.

Upon graduation he signed a professional contract with the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team and he played eight years in the minor leagues. Later, he graduated from Chico State College. Upon retirement from professional baseball Larry embarked on a 30-year career as coach and educator. His first stop was Clarksburg High School, followed by Gustine High School and his final stop was Monterey Peninsula College where he coached both basketball and baseball until his retirement in 1992. He is a member of the California Community College Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame.

Larry touched many lives during his lifetime and was known for his quick wit, friendly smile and kindness to all. He enjoyed his retirement by playing golf with his best friends, traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents; his aunt, Kathryn Earhart; and his first wife, Marilyn Thompson, with whom he had two sons who followed in their father's profession of teaching and coaching.

He is survived by his current wife, June Bug Cummins; son, Mike Cummins and wife, Velma of San Carlos and their children, Lawrence Cummins (Idaho), Patrick Cummins (Oakley, CA), Vanessa Cummins and Marilyn Cummins; son, Mark Cummins and wife, Lisa of Morgan Hill and their children, Andrew Cummins (San Jose), Matthew Cummins (San Francisco), Katrina Luscher and Kyle Luscher; step-daughter, Abbi Smith of Santa Fe, NM and her son, Kevin Ayapan-Smith; and step-son, David Smith of Monterey and his daughter, Lucy Smith.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the following doctors and their staff: Dr. Eftimie, Dr. Centurian, Dr. Shaheen, Dr. Tamler, Dr. Inlow, Dr. Poggemeyer, Dr. Hightower, Dr. Gorelick, Dr. Katz, Dr. Verlender, Dr. Light, Dr. Housdorf, Patricia McDermott, Dr. Sato, Dr. Dimitrus and to the staff and nurses of East Main at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula.

A celebration of Larry's life will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, September 29, 2010 at Shoreline Community Church located at 2500 Garden Road in Monterey. As a thank you to the pastors and staff at Shoreline Community Church, in lieu of flowers, please make any contributions to the church.