Gary Wayne Young's Obituary
Gary Wayne Young passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Friday, May 9th, 2025.
Gary was born on March 12, 1949, in St. Joseph, Missouri. He spent his formative years in Elwood, Kansas where, throughout high school, he worked at the local grocery store. After graduating, he attended Highland College before moving to Ruston, Louisiana, where he continued his education at Louisiana Tech University. It was in Ruston that he began working for A&P grocers, which eventually brought him to manage one of their chains in Metairie, Louisiana. Gary made the move to Covington, Louisiana, in 1975 to operate grocery stores for the Acquistapace family. There, he would go on to have an incredible career and retire after more than 40 years of devoted service.
Gary also had a deep love for sports that was matched only by his devotion to his family. A lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan, he cheered passionately for his team through every season. He also enthusiastically followed the New Orleans Saints, Nebraska Cornhuskers, and LSU Tigers, riding the highs and lows of every game with the fervor of a coach and the optimism of a fan.
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of a wonderfully kind and patient man. He was a man who showed us that real strength comes from consistency, that love is found in the everyday, and that sometimes, the greatest impact comes not from words, but from presence.
Gary is survived by his loving wife and partner of 34 years, Barbara Eckert Young; his three stepdaughters: Megan Cohen (Ari) and their two daughters, Sarah and Abigail; Kim Cole (Matt) and their three children, Ella, James, and Katherine; and Katie Sumner (Mark) and their two children, Aiden and Olivia. He is also survived by his sisters, Lora Miller of Elwood, Kansas, Jo Marie Ballinger of Cherokee Village, Arkansas, and Carol Winder of Troy, Kansas; his brother, Ronald Young of Elwood, Kansas; his sister-in-law, Linda Young of Budda, Texas; and a host of nieces and nephews..
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ross and Sadie Young and Fred and Rose Ann Roll; his parents, Conrad and Melissa Young; his brother, Larry Young; his brother-in-law Alvin (Sonny) Miller; and his nephews, John Miller and Donald Seever.
Gary is also survived by a cherished circle of friends, each of whom he loved deeply and fully. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Young may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org .
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial services at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W 21st Avenue, Covington LA 70433, on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 2:00 PM with visitation on Friday beginning at 1:00 PM.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The Young family invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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