Kenneth Alan Young

“Ken the Elder,” the title he assumed after the passing of his older brothers, passed away on May 12, 2021, at the age of 95. Always the storyteller, Kenneth Alan Young combined his love of entertaining with his passion for early human flight, his world travels, and a long career in aeronautical engineering. Whether it was at the annual St. Patrick’s Day party, singing in the choir at Aldie United Methodist Church until the age of 94, as a longtime board member of the Carlyn Square Homeowners Association in Falls Church, Ken’s passions and energies were palpable to anyone spending time with him. Most notably he inspired others over the 35+ years as a founding docent for the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum, which culminated in recognition as Docent Emeritus.

Born December 11, 1925 in Denver, CO, he was the third child of Stanley Elkanah Young, Sr. and Vida Hannah Stick Young. Growing up in Chicago, he returned to Illinois after serving as an Aviation Cadet in the United States Army Air Forces. His love of flight took off as a Cadet, and he soon found himself graduating from the University of Illinois (1950) with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering. His graduate studies at the University of Akron in nuclear physics, math, and statistics prepared him well for a 40+ year-long career with Goodyear Aerospace/Loral Defense Systems/Lockheed Martin, with the last 22 spent on assignment with the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA). His time on the NAVSEA assignment was divided between his work as a SUBROC missile technical and logistic liaison engineer and, of course, entertaining Naval officers and other project officials. The social aspect of his job was his favorite, along with any chance to show off his collection of early flight relics or talk about his time working on the design and testing of the Goodyear blimp.

While working at Goodyear in Akron, OH he met his first wife, Maryellen Steiger, with whom he fathered three children: Lynda Kay Young Meier (Steven), Cynthia “Cindy” Anne Young Boyce (Bruce), and Mark Alan Young. Ken’s work took him to Washington, D.C., where he met and married the love of his life, Iris Gibbs Young on November 22,1969. After retiring, he and Iris enjoyed vacationing at timeshares, setting sail aboard numerous cruises, fine dining, and spoiling their pets with dinner ‘leftovers,’ set aside before either took their first bite.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents; older siblings Stanley Elkanah Young, Jr. and Robert Clement Young; his first wife; one great-great-grandchild, Alice; and his travel partner and great love, Iris, who passed on October 17, 2012. Upon Ken’s death bed, he whispered, “Iris, I’m coming.”

He is survived by younger siblings Norman Samuel Young (Eve) and Audrey Jean Young Piotter (Don), his three children, five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Lynda and Steve’s daughter, Stacie (Meier) Stoy’s family includes husband Matt and children Dylan, Emma, Aubrie, Kati, Londyn, and Matthew. Dylan and Brooke are parents to Kynsley, Kanani, and Cash. Kati’s children include Alice, may she rest in peace, and Cohen. Cindy and Bruce’s family includes children Robert, Katherine (“Scottie”), and Matthew; and Robert and his wife, Crystal’s daughter, Aurora. Mark’s son Gregory married Erin, who have two daughters, Sydney and Bentley. In addition to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, Ken’s family includes numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews all who have great affection for their Uncle Ken.

Always the storyteller and entertainer, Ken’s family invites you to reflect on your favorite story told by Ken, your favorite cocktail served at his annual St. Patrick’s Day party, or favorite memory of him. Share those reflections and memories with your friends and family, and in this way he will live on in our hearts.

In honor of his service to his country, Kenneth Alan Young will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Iris, his love, a longtime civil servant herself, awaits him there.

A Memorial Service in his honor will be held at Aldie United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 2:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, Ken would be pleased to have donations made to Aldie United Methodist Church, 39325 John Mosby Hwy, Aldie, VA 20105