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.
Rosa Morales