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John Levra Obituary
Coach Levra lived a life defined by teaching-teaching young people how to compete, prepare, and win through hard work, discipline, and respect. For him, football was never just a game. Across decades of coaching, it became a classroom. Maximum effort counted. Mental toughness mattered. Teamwork delivered success on and off the field.
John began in Arma, where he grew up with strong Midwestern roots and a love of competition. He graduated from Arma High School and then from Pittsburg State University. There, he earned degrees in education and, as team captain, won a NAIA National Championship in 1957. John was a teacher first, coach second. This background shaped his leadership with clarity, patience, and high standards.
John's coaching journey spanned nearly six decades and reached every level of the game. He began coaching high school in Kansas before moving up to the college ranks. At New Mexico Highlands University, he posted a 34-4-1 record and sent multiple players to the pros, with two earning Rookie of the Year honors. Next, he transitioned to Stephen F. Austin, serving as both head coach and athletic director, and leaving a lasting imprint on the program and those who wore the Lumberjack uniform. His tenure included back-to-back nine-win seasons and a Bowl Championship title. Afterward, he advanced to major college programs and professional organizations. At the University of Kansas, his Jayhawks' rushing attack set numerous records. He then secured his first professional coaching role with the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League. He transitioned to the NFL when O.A. "Bum" Phillips hired him to join the New Orleans Saints. Following that, he coached the Chicago Bears-whose 1986 defensive unit set numerous team records-the Denver Broncos, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Buffalo Bills. He worked alongside coaching greats Mike Ditka, Dennis Green, and Wade Phillips. Ultimately, his career concluded as an assistant with the La Canada High School Spartans in La Canada, CA, where he coached his grandson, Chase.
John's Football Career:
Pittsburg State University, KS - Offensive Lineman (1956-58)
McCune, KS High School - Head Coach (1959-60)
Washington High School, Bethel, KS - Head Coach and Athletic Director (1961-65)
New Mexico Highlands University - Assistant Coach/Head Coach (1966-70)
Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, TX - Head Coach and Athletic Director (1971-74)
University of Kansas - Offensive Coordinator (1975-78)
North Texas State University - Offensive Coordinator (1979)
British Columbia Lions, Canadian Football League - Defensive Line (1980)
New Orleans Saints - Running Backs Coach/Offensive Coordinator (1981-85)
Chicago Bears - Defensive Line (1986-1992)
Denver Broncos - Offensive Line (1993-94)
Minnesota Vikings - Defensive Line (1995-97)
Buffalo Bills - Defensive Line (1998-2001)
La Canada, CA High School - Assistant (2009-11)
John coached many players, coaches, and team owners who went on to great success. Nine are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Thirteen earned Pro Bowl spots. Fifteen were named All Pros. Three were named AFL/NFL Rookies of the Year.
He is a member of multiple halls of fame: Kansas Sports, New Mexico Sports, Pittsburgh State, and New Mexico Highlands. He coached in many All-Star and All-American Bowls, including the Pro Bowl in Hawaii.
John is survived by Rosie, of Raymore, MO; daughter Gina of Kansas City, MO; son Craig (m. Robin Webster Levra) of La Canada, CA; granddaughter Samantha of Los Angeles, CA; and grandson Chase (m. Lauren Cox Levra) of La Canada, CA.
A springtime celebration of life is being planned.
Instead of flowers, the family suggests a donation to:
New Mexico Highlands University Foundation
Coach John Levra Scholarship
PO Box 9000
Las Vegas, NM 87701
https://nmhufoundation.org/athletics-foundation
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Levra
George Gomez
January 18, 2026
My heart felt condolences to Rosie, Craig, and Gina and the family
YHWH's presence, protection and provision surround all of you.
SHALOM.SHALOM
Kent
January 17, 2026
Big gap in all our lives.
Kent
Lillian Holmes
January 17, 2026
My sincere condolences to the family. God give you peace, comfort and, and strength during this difficult this difficult time time.
James and Cornelia. Webster Je.
January 15, 2026
One of the most enjoyable and good guys that I have ever met !!
He will certainly be missed by all that knew him !!!
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Alan Hobson
January 14, 2026
What a great guy. Anyone who barely knew him or knew him well felt like he was a lifetime friend because he made you feel that way. Saw him coach his first game at McCune, KS.
Larry Hatfield
January 14, 2026
John was an absolutely quality person that always had a smile on his face. Met John my freshman year at Pittsburgh State and marveled at his competitiveness. He was always a true leader. We renewed our friendship when he was at KU and retained it over the years. My condolences to his family and many friends. He was a true gentleman.
James Mulkey
January 14, 2026
Our prays are with Rosie Levra and family during this difficult time. May God bless this family. I was recruited in 1969 from Phillis Wheatley HS in San Antonio Tx, by Dick Munzinger. I met Coach Levra and Rosie and immediately became a part of the family. I recall a very exciting winning season. Traveling to Hawaii, was my first plane flight. I stayed in touch with Coach Levra over the years. Whenever I would call and didn't get an answer. It was sure he was going to return the call. I had an opportunity to talk with Coach Levra Christmas day 2025. My God Bless the family.
Pat Darbro
January 12, 2026
Coach Levra was a wonderful person! He made everyone a friend& would do anything for his friends. I met Coach at a clinic in Phoenix. At the time I was the head coach at New Mexico highlands, and just introduced myself & we were friends. He spoke at a clinic at Highlands & I invited Coach to a clinic when was coaching at Eastern New Mexico
Tony Perry
January 11, 2026
Sincerest condolences to The Levra Family!
I was one of the managers of the football team at Washington High School when Coach Levra was Head Coach and AD. He was loved and respected by all the players and coaches and a huge influence on the players he coached. John will forever be remembered as a great friend, mentor and coach! RIP John
Maureen Huerter
January 11, 2026
Dear Rosie and family, our memories of you and John living in our neighborhood always include warm smiles and of course John chewing on his cigar. He was a joy filled man and will be missed by so many. Love, Maureen and David Huerter Pittsburg.
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