Kenneth Elvin Young, the son of Edward and Mary (Christian) Young, was born on September 30, 1945 in St. Joseph, Missouri. He attended Mound City High School, Mound City, Missouri graduating in 1963.

Kenneth worked on the farm with his dad until entering the United States Air Force on March 17, 1966. He served his country during the Vietnam War as a Crew Chief on the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter. On January 21, 1967, Kenneth was united in marriage to Karen Sue Bennington in Rock Port. They made their home on Travis Air Force Base, Fairfield, California. Kenneth received his Honorable Discharge as a Staff Sergeant on November 29, 1971.

Following his discharge, the couple moved back to Mound City and became the parents of two children, Jason and Candie. Kenneth returned to farming until retiring only four years ago at the age of 70.

Kenneth was a thrill seeker. He enjoyed racing cars, skydiving, and hang gliding. He assembled and piloted Ultralight airplanes, and designed a new Ultralight to spray crops in Central America. Kenneth built and flew remote controlled airplanes, and loved music.  Kenneth excelled at water skiing and taught numerous people how to slalom and ski barefoot. He lived life to the fullest. However, Kenneth’s children and grandchildren were his greatest joy, and he treasured the time spent together. Kenneth passed away suddenly, Monday, May 11, 2020, at his home in Mound City, at the age of 74.

Besides his parents, Kenneth was preceded in death by brother, Byron Young; brothers-in-law, Ronnie Bennington and Dale Bennington. Survivors include wife, Karen Young, Mound City; son, Jason (Sabrina) Young, Jackson, Missouri and daughter, Candie (James) McNealy, Humboldt, Nebraska; grandchildren, Dylan Young, Austin Young, Jayden McNealy, Jaylie McNealy; brothers, Edward Eugene (Verna) Young, Richard (Delores) Young, and Robert (Lou) Young; brothers-in-law, Gary (Jayne Ann) Bennington, Rock Port, Missouri, Gale (Debbie) Bennington, Chesterfield, Missouri; sisters-in-law, Sharon Bennington, Rock Port, and Jane (Mark) Hausmann, St. Joseph; numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service: 10:30 AM, Friday, May 15, 2020, First Lutheran Church, Rock Port, Missouri.

Interment: Mt. Hope Cemetery, Mound City.

Open visitation begins Thursday, May 14, 9:00 AM, Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port. There is no scheduled family visitation.

Memorials: American Heart Association

Full military rites under the auspices of Paul P. Shutts American Legion Post #121

Arrangements: Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port.

www.minterfuneralchapels.com