Philip Wesley Young

Philip Wesley Young, 82, of Rogers, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Phil was born on July 1, 1942, in rural Fontana, Kansas, to the late Mitchell (Mike) Clay Young and Ethel Marie (Brocker) Young. He was preceded in death by his devoted high school sweetheart and wife of 61 years, Rita; his parents, Mitchell (Mike) and Ethel Young; in-laws, Chester (Earl) and Della Ashbaugh; his younger brother, Forrest Young; sister-in-law, Karen Howard; and nephews, Chad and Mike Howard.

Phil is survived by his children: Bradley Young (Mary Jane) of Fort Scott, KS; Brenda Young of Rogers, AR; and Becky Bahnks (Michael) of Bryant, AR. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Carter Young, McKenzie Park (Young), Caden Young, Ty Bahnks, and Cooper Bahnks. Additionally, he leaves behind numerous beloved family members, friends, players, and caregivers.

Phil spent his early years on a farm outside Fontana before his family moved to Adrian, Missouri, in 1954. It was on the farm that he developed his lifelong love for the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting. Phil graduated from Adrian High School in 1960, where he was a standout athlete, earning 12 varsity letters in football, basketball, and track. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education from Pittsburg State University in 1965, followed by a Master’s Degree in Physical Education in 1967.

While at Pitt State, Phil played as both an offensive and defensive halfback and was a four-year letterman for the Gorillas. He was especially proud to be part of their 1961 National Championship Team, and he cherished the annual reunions that followed. He earned second-team All-Conference honors as a defensive halfback and was voted co-captain of the 1964 team.

Phil dedicated his professional career to coaching and education, earning the title "Coach Young" from the students and athletes whose lives he impacted. Reflecting on his years in athletics, Phil said, “My high school and college years were filled with wonderful memories through athletics. Through the camaraderie of teammates and the positive influence of coaches, I gained the desire for the coaching and teaching profession.”

His coaching career began in 1965 as Head Football Coach at Fairfield High School in Langdon, KS, where his team posted a 6-2-1 record, the best in the school’s history at that time. He then moved to California High School in California, MO, where, from 1966-1967, his teams won two conference titles with a 16-2 record and were ranked second in the state. From 1968-1969, he served as head coach at Bonner Springs High School in Bonner Springs, KS, where his teams won two conference titles, amassed a 15-4 record, and were ranked second in the state before losing in the State Championship Game.

In 1970, Phil moved to the collegiate level, becoming an assistant offensive and defensive backfield coach at Northwest Missouri State University, where the team earned MIAA

Co-Champs honors in 1972. After three seasons, Phil returned to high school football and accepted the head coach position at Neosho High School in Neosho, MO, where he coached from 1973-1988. His Wildcat teams won eight conference championships, reached the state quarterfinals three times, and held a 32-game conference winning streak from 1979-1984.

Phil finished his coaching career at Rogers High School in Rogers, AR, where he served as head coach from 1988-1992 and as an assistant coach from 1997-2000. He spent over 31 years on the gridiron. The majority of that time was spent in Neosho, MO. where during his tenure he amassed over 97 victories including the string of 32 consecutive conference wins. In 2020, the Neosho School Board of Education honored his legacy by renaming the school’s “Victory Bell” in his honor, now known as the “Coach Phil Young Victory Bell.”

Phil’s dedication to coaching was matched only by his devotion to his family. He and Rita were high school sweethearts and shared 61 years of marriage before her passing less than five months prior to his own. Phil was the epitome of a loving father and grandfather, working tirelessly to provide the best life possible for his children and grandchildren. Even when words were few, his love and strength were always evident. In his later years, Phil enjoyed hunting, fishing, and attending his grandchildren’s activities.

Phil spent the final years of his life at Innisfree Health and Rehabilitation in Rogers, AR, where he was affectionately known as “Coach.” He continued to brighten the lives of everyone he met, influencing those around him with his kindness, strength, and smile.

He was a member of the Central United Methodist Church of Rogers, AR.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 1, at 9:00 a.m. at Rollins Funeral Home Chapel, 1401 Hudson Road, Rogers, AR. The funeral service will follow at 10:00 a.m. A private family burial will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Crescent Hill Cemetery in Adrian, MO.

The family invites everyone to wear their favorite "spirit or game day apparel" in honor of Coach Young. Please join us in celebrating a life well lived by wearing your Pitt State, Kansas City Chiefs, Neosho Wildcats, Rogers Mounties, or any other team apparel of your choice.