John A. Young

John A. Young, 87, of Raytown, MO, died Sunday, Oct 22nd surrounded by family. John was born in Los Angeles, CA on June 20, 1930, the middle son of John and Lena Young. A veteran of the US Air Force, John served during the Korean conflict. Following his military service, he was employed with IBM as a Field Engineer where he worked on mainframe computers. John married Mary Joann Laughlin in 1957. John is survived by his wife of 60 years, his brother, Dr. Thomas Young (Mary) and seven children, David (Karen), Sharon, Mary Dianne Ratliff (Roy), Tricia Lees (Greg), Terry Holliger (Bob), John (Mary Pat) and Nancy. John has six grandchildren, Mary Nicole, John Christopher, Courtney, Eric, Erin, and Noah and 2 great-grandchildren, John Aiden and Quinn, as well as many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert. Following John’s retirement, he went back to school to learn many crafts, including his second career as a clocksmith. For many years, he was the man to go to for clock repair in the Kansas City area. John owned a map vending service in the 1970’s and enjoyed traveling by car on the backroads of America. John also enjoyed woodworking, was a certified locksmith, a trained auctioneer, and small engine repairman. He was a collector of many things, was full of knowledge on a number of subjects, and was loved by all. Funeral services for John will be at 10:00 a.m. Friday, Oct 27 at Heartland, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown MO 64133, with burial to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 5-7 pm on Thursday, Oct. 26 at Heartland Burial with a small “celebration of life” ceremony at 7:00 pm. Because of his love of animals, particularly cats, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations are made in John’s name to KC Pet Project, 4400 Raytown Road, Kansas City, MO.

Condolences

  1. Lisa (Kenski) Weeks on October 25, 2017 at 10:17 am

    I’m so sorry for the loss of a wonderful man. You are lucky to have him in your life.



  2. Pat Kenski on October 25, 2017 at 10:29 am

    He must have been a wonderful man to produce such a loving family. He and your mother have given all of their children an example of what a loving couple are.
    I am so sorry for your loss.



  3. Susie Wilson on October 25, 2017 at 11:13 am

    John was a man with humor, kindness, knowledge and a love of family. He will be missed by all who knew him.
    Sorry for your loss.



  4. Cathy Allie on October 25, 2017 at 12:09 pm

    So sorry to hear about this loss.



  5. Shana Bobbitt, RHS on October 25, 2017 at 4:19 pm

    I pray God’s peace for the Young family during this time and the days to come.



  6. Randy Denney on October 25, 2017 at 4:29 pm

    He was a good man and a great clock smith.



  7. Kevin and Ann (Ritter) Farris on October 25, 2017 at 5:52 pm

    May your many wonderful memories of such a loving father bring comfort and peace.



  8. Ruth Barton on October 25, 2017 at 7:12 pm

    So sorry to hear of your family’s loss . My prayers for you Joanne, and all who loved him.



  9. Mike Netherton on October 26, 2017 at 7:42 am

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. He was a great man and an inspiration to me.



  10. Mark Bickelhaupt on October 26, 2017 at 12:00 pm

    Praying for peace over you and the family. So sorry to hear it.



  11. Paul & Ralphie on October 26, 2017 at 1:57 pm

    John was a great guy and our friend(both Ralphie and me).
    Do going to miss our chats. I made him laugh on several occasions, making my day special!
    I have more stiff to share so we will meet again
    God bless your family!



  12. Suzy Kenski on October 26, 2017 at 4:46 pm

    A great man & a wonderful father.



  13. George Halsey on October 26, 2017 at 9:54 pm

    Nancy, sorry for you and your families loss. Never met your Dad, but if you are anything like him. Then he was a good one.



  14. Grace Legaspi on November 13, 2017 at 9:17 am

    Teresa, so sorry for the loss of your father. I know he will be missed by friends and family, especially during this upcoming holiday time. I am keeping you and your family in my prayers! Let me know if you need anything!



  15. Hutch on June 22, 2019 at 2:31 pm

    My first mentor with IBM. An incredibly patient, knowledgeable man who could see the humor in everything. Nothing but good memories.



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