William D. Young

“The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” – Sir Winston Churchill.

The family of William D. Young regrets to inform that our beloved husband, father, grandfather and historian passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at LMH Health. There are no formal services.

William was born on July 16, 1955, in Seattle, WA, the son of Kenneth and Marilyn (Hertlein) Young.

He married Michelle Garling on March 5, 1977, in Waterloo, IA, and she survives at home.

Other survivors include his sons, Michael Kenneth (Laine) Walters Young, Benjamin Russell Young, devoted family friend, Matthew Joseph Jansen, brother, Dale (Denise) Young, sisters, Susan Young, Joan Young, and one grandson, Theodore James Walters Young.

William was preceded in death by his parents.

William led a life dedicated to service – service to his family, service to his profession and service to others. He sparked the love of learning for generations of students and professors alike, fostering the spirited interest in what was and how it can shape what is and what is to come. His proudest professional achievement was his unwavering dedication of 22 years to Maple Woods Community College in North Kansas City. His passion for the humanities and the classroom was only surpassed by his love of his family and love of watching his favorite teams, especially the Green Bay Packers. He was a voracious reader, and always found time to expand his knowledge regardless of what life threw at him. He will be sorely missed, but his indominable spirit lives on in all whom he touched.

The family suggests memorials in William’s name to Cottonwood, Inc. in Lawrence, the Lawrence Public Library and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13 ^th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.