Steven Maurice Young, 79, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025. Steve was born on October 15, 1945, to Maurice Wayne Young and Evelyn May Young in Paola, Kansas. He graduated from Washington High School in 1963. In 1967, he graduated from Pittsburg State University with a degree in education with an emphasis on history and physical education. After college, Steve was a social studies teacher in Parsons, Kansas, before being drafted into service.

Steve served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Bamberg, Germany, where he and his wife Carol (Gripp) welcomed their first son, Richard, in 1970. After moving back to Kansas, Steve earned a master's degree in guidance counseling from Pittsburg State and worked as a counselor in Seneca, Kansas, and later Lebo, Kansas. Steve and Carol welcomed their second son, Christopher, in 1972.

The Young family moved to the Raleigh, North Carolina, area in 1977, and Steve worked for many years in the printing business while raising his sons.

Steve moved back to Kansas in the 1990s to be near his parents and other family members. He spent many happy years in Basehor, Kansas, and could be seen on the sidelines and in the audience whenever his grandchildren were playing or performing. He was a proud grandfather and was always ready with quiet support or a gentle joke to put others at ease. A lifelong dog lover, he could often be found with a faithful companion by his side.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Maurice and Evelyn, and his nephew Kurt. He is survived by his brother Keith (Patricia), sons Rich (Kenna) and Chris (Sarah), and grandchildren Ella, William, Alice and Henry. He will also be missed by Carol and Hal Allred, his niece Kathy Kehr, Jeri Young, many great nieces and nephews, and his loyal dog Tilly.

Committal services will be held at Leavenworth National Cemetery (150
Muncie Road, Leavenworth, KS 66048) at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, February 21. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Steve by adopting a shelter animal or donating to the shelter of your choice.