Larry O. Young Sr

Larry O. Young, Sr. finished his Life’s Race on January 18, 2023, in Seal Beach, CA, where he was spending the last months of his Journey with his Son, Kevin and his family.  Being with his Family in the end brought great peace to everyone, Friends and Family.

Larry was born on January 28, 1941, to Ernest (Ernie) R. and Thelma Doreen (Ferguson) Young and the second of two Sons, Lester and Larry in Kansas City, MO.  Here is a personal family dilemma, what does the O stand for?  We have some records that say Orvale and others that say Orville.  Their marriage ended in divorce and Thelma and her sons moved back to Osawatomie.  Larry also has a half-sister from this marriage, Sandy Young Nichols.  Thelma met and married Osawatomie native, Eldon W. “Boog” Landers May 1, 1947. As Larry’s Step-Father, E.W. and Thelma added half-sister, Shirley Landers Whitaker, and half-brother, Charles Landers.  Larry and Lester graduated together from Osawatomie High School in 1958.

After graduation, Larry began working at the Osawatomie State Hospital, where he met Betty Ann Bair and they were married on August 7, 1960, and celebrated 43 years together before her death on September 11, 2003.  They made Osawatomie their home and were parents to two Sons, Larry, Jr. and Kevin.  Larry later remarried Wynette Parker - Guge on October 1, 2005 and they remained together until her death on March 26, 2015.

Larry worked at the State Hospital until 1969, when he began his career as a Brakeman for the Missouri Pacific Railroad and later the Union Pacific Railroad.  He was promoted to Conductor until he retired.  He had many lifelong railroad friends that knew him as simply L.O. and was often greeted with a hearty “Hello, L.O.”

Larry was a hardworking man and often sacrificed family time so that his family never wanted for anything.  He celebrated over 30 years with Friends of Bill and was a sponsor, coach and role model to many in the community.  He was a lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge and a long-time member of the Elks Lodge in Osawatomie. During his stay in California, he became a member of the Lions Club in Seal Beach.  He was a member of the First Christian Church in Osawatomie for over 20 years.  He had many hobbies:  Woodworking, Antique Cars and Car Shows, Traveling, Camping, Fishing and His Cats!

He is proceeded in death by his mother, Thelma Ferguson Landers, his Father, Ernie Young, his Step-Father E.W (Eldon) Landers, Wife Betty Bair Young, 2nd Wife Winnie Parker Young, Brother Lester Young and Half-Brother Charles Landers.

Larry is survived by his two sons, five grandchildren and two half-sisters, Larry, Jr and his wife Tracey of Bartlett, TN and their children Emma Young Halligan and her husband Travis, Rachel Young and Molly Young.  Kevin and his wife Teri of Seal Beach, CA and their children Nicole and Trent.  Half Sisters, Sandy Young Nichols and her husband Charlie of Oak Grove, MO and Shirley Landers Whitaker of Ozark, MO.  Many nieces and nephews and cherished friends and neighbors, especially Bob and Sandy Kerr, Eric and Jennifer Howell and Ginger Vail.