Marshall Othella Thomas, affectionately known as “Coach T”, was born on August 29, 1947, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Pearlie and Cora Nell (Blackburn) Thomas. He married Yvonne D. Tijndaal on August 18, 1973, in Saginaw, Michigan and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, great-uncle, mentor, and friend — a pillar of strength, faith, and love within his family and community. On Monday, November 17, 2025, at the age of 78, after a lengthy illness and surrounded by loved ones, our beloved Coach T peacefully entered the arms of the Lord.

Marshall was educated in the Saginaw Public Schools, attending Morley and Houghton Elementary Schools, Arthur Eddy Junior High, and graduating from Saginaw High School, Class of 1966. While at Saginaw High, he excelled in athletics, participating in football, basketball, and track and field. He continued his education at Western New Mexico University (WNMU) from 1966 to 1972, earning both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. During his collegiate years, he played two years of basketball and two years of football, leading the nation in punt returns at the NAIA level in 1967. He also competed in track for four years, earning MVP honors as a junior.

Upon returning home to Saginaw, Marshall began a remarkable coaching and teaching career that spanned 33 years. He coached football, track, golf, cross country, and basketball at his beloved alma mater, ultimately becoming best known as the boys’ varsity basketball coach. He spent three years coaching the girls’ varsity team, compiling a 53–13 record, and 22 years coaching the boys’ varsity team, amassing an exceptional 381–133 record. Under his leadership, the Trojans won the 1995–1996 Michigan Boys Class A State Championship.

On the court, he led with discipline, strategy, and heart, shaping young athletes not only in skill but also in character. Off the court, he served the Saginaw community with the same dedication. He earned seven regional Coach of the Year awards and four Class A Coach of the Year honors. Marshall also served as Saginaw High’s athletic director and later worked with the Michigan High School Athletic Association as a color commentator during the boys’ basketball state championship games.

After retiring from Saginaw Public Schools in 2009 as an administrator, Marshall continued to pour into young people as a substitute teacher within the district and as a devoted math tutor, known throughout the community for his patience, generosity, and commitment to education.

To some, he was Marshall; to many, he was Coach T or Deacon Thomas, but to Yvonne, his loving wife of 52 years, he was her husband; he was her soul mate and her protector; he was a steadfast partner, leading with a consistent quiet strength. He was dependable and devoted, always ensuring their home was filled with love and stability.

As a father, he showed up for everything, big or small. He never missed a moment to teach, guide, or encourage. He led by example, teaching his daughters the lessons that truly matter: integrity, service, and the power of showing up. He exemplified to his children how to carry themselves in the world, to love their community, and to never stop giving.

As a grandfather, he went above and beyond. He would rearrange his days, offer to help before being asked, and do whatever it took to ensure his grandchildren and great-grandchildren had every opportunity to succeed.

Marshall was a faithful member of Holy Communion Gospel Center, where he served as an ordained deacon. He taught bible study and was deeply committed to the jail ministry, serving those incarcerated with compassion, humility, and an unwavering faith.

A passionate golfer, he spent many summers on the course. He achieved the remarkable milestone of four hole-in-ones and treasured the camaraderie, laughter, and memories formed with friends on and off the greens.
Marshall’s leadership, skill, and dedication earned him numerous honors and opportunities to serve:
• Western New Mexico University Athletic Hall of Fame – 2004
• Saginawian of the Year – 2009
• Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame – 2011
• Michigan High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame – 2014
• City of Saginaw Public Schools Foundation Board – 2010-2025
o Vice President
o Saginaw Promise Liaison
o Academic Grant Advisor
o Workshop Facilitator and Fundraising Coordinator
• Charles McNair Booker T. Washington Student Development Foundation Board of Directors, 2011–2025 (President, 2019–2025)

Marshall leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife, Yvonne D. Thomas; daughters Monica Schneggenburger, Julia (Mark) Hillery, Alexis Thomas, Natalijia Thomas, and Celeste (Chris) Johnson; brother John Russell (Lillian) Thomas Sr.; grandchildren Jalen Parham, Tearijia Thomas, Terry Richard, Chloe Thomas, Adonis Johnson, Imari Hillery, Corderro Johnson, Victor Davis Jr., and Brandon Davis; and great-grandchildren Taylor Thomas, Kendall Coleman Jr., Kambry Coleman, Alana Davis, Kameryn Davis, Brandon Davis Jr., Charlotte Johnson, Korderro Johnson Jr., and Hadassah Johnson.
He also leaves honorary sons Philip Hannah and Lou Dawkins.

Marshall was preceded in death by his parents, Pearlie and Cora Nell Blackburn Thomas; siblings Ruth Thomas Cheatham, Horace Thomas Sr., Theresa Thomas Bell, Robert Thomas, and Julia Thomas Pringle; grandson Ali Rogers Jr.; nephews Horace Thomas Jr. and Noland Woods; and niece Lacresha Bell.

Funeral service will took place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Victorious Believers Ministries C.O.G.I.C., 624 South Outer Drive, Saginaw, Michigan 48601. Supt. Christopher V. Pryor, Pastor. Pastor Charlene Washington officiated with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 S. Washington Ave., Saginaw, MI 48601. Visitation will took place at the funeral home on Friday, November 28, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.

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SAGINAW, MI – The Cathedral Free Clinic has opened its doors—offering body and soul care to uninsured residents of Saginaw County who have nowhere else to turn for primary care. Patients receive free medical treatment in a welcoming environment rooted in compassion, prayer, and the love of Jesus Christ. The clinic is currently open on the first Tuesday of each month from 5 to 8 p.m., with hopes of extending its hours in the future as more medical providers step forward to volunteer. 

“Cathedral Free Clinic believes that uninsured members of our community deserve options beyond costly ER or Urgent Care visits for basic primary care,” said Cathedral Free Clinic President and physician Dr. Toby Long. “In 2023, BWell Saginaw estimated that 9 percent of Saginaw County residents—approximately 10,000 individuals—were uninsured. While we cannot serve as a medical home for every uninsured person in the region, we are committed to being a trusted source for compassionate care. As Saginaw County’s only free clinic, our mission is to bear witness to God’s healing love by offering essential healthcare to our neighbors in their time of need.”  

Located in the St. Mary’s Center of Hope building at 723 Emerson Street in Saginaw—just east of MyMichigan Medical Center and steps from the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary—the clinic is a place where modern medicine meets the compassion of Christ. Its theme, “Hope is Healthy,” is inspired by Luke 10:9: “Cure the sick who are there, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” 

“As disciples of Jesus, we have a responsibility to bring hope and healing to the vulnerable and suffering in the world,” said Bishop Robert Gruss. “The Cathedral Free Clinic will be a place where patients can experience the healing love and mercy of Jesus Christ. We are blessed to have this clinic in the neighborhood of the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption. I look forward to hearing about the many lives that will encounter Jesus, perhaps for the first time.”

The inspiration for the clinic began when Dr. Toby Long, a local family physician, and member of St. Agnes Parish in Freeland, had a vision for a faith-inspired free medical clinic in Saginaw, one where patients could come for healing of both body and soul. Recognizing the opportunity for the Church to extend its own healing ministry and be part of this outreach to bring hope and healing to those in need, Bishop Robert Gruss wanted to do everything he could to help.   

A dedicated founding board, generous partners in the community, and a providential gift of the Center of Hope building from Ascension St. Mary’s last year, allowed the vision to become a reality. Cathedral Free Clinic hosted its first clinic on June 3, 2025.

The Cathedral Free Clinic operates as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry, partnering with the Diocese of Saginaw and the greater community to serve uninsured individuals, regardless of faith. Patients are welcomed with dignity, compassion, and joy. 

Medical and non-medical volunteers are needed to assist with patient care, hospitality, administrative help, and prayer ministry. Information on volunteering, as well as a place for patients to book a medical visit, is available at www.cathedralclinic.org. 

Cathedral Free Clinic is on [facebook.com/cathedralfreeclinic]Facebook and a tour of the clinic is now available by clicking here. 

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Latino Caucus Chairman Angel Gomez organized the meeting and reviewed an online survey he created. The questionnaire is gathering input from Latinos in Saginaw and surrounding areas. Gomez, standing before the group in a green T-shirt, also laid out his vision for building Latino political power and increasing voter participation.

Community concerns about immigration and racial profiling were voiced by Alberto Teneyuque, who pointed to his own skin tone as an example. “Brown-skinned people are targeted by the current presidential administration and ICE,” he said. “This country needs Latinos and others being deported.”

Bobby DeLeon, president of the Mexican American Council, Inc., known in the community as “The MAC,”shared his motivation for supporting the Saginaw Democratic Party, calling these time as “critical to the survival of the Latino community, especially youth.”

Saginaw County Clerk Vanessa Guerra joined the discussion, offering ideas to better connect with and engage Latino residents. Former Bridgeport Superintendent Ricardo Medina also attended, adding his perspective on education and civic involvement.

Organizers said the meeting marked the beginning of a sustained effort to amplify Latino voices in local politics, with plans for continued outreach and community engagement in the months ahead.

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Click HERE to RSVP

Organizers say the event marks an exciting step toward increased civic engagement and representation for the Latino community in the region. All are welcome to attend, and attendees are encouraged to spread the word through their networks and local contacts.

CLICK HERE to donate to the Saginaw County Democratic Party

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