Mark A. Young

Mark graduated from Wichita South High School in 1971. He answered his call to duty by joining the United States Army in September of 1972, and was assigned to the Pentagon Motor Pool, in Arlington, Virginia, providing official transportation in the Washington, D.C. area for U.S. and foreign military and civilian dignitaries, including Department of Defense activities and personnel. He was promoted to the dispatch office and promoted to Specialist E-5.

Mark’s sense of adventure blossomed while he was in the Army. He bought a Norton 850 Commando motorcycle, and rode it to Key West, Florida. He also rode it to the Indy 500, and spent many weekends riding in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Mark met his wife, Jo, while stationed in the Washington D.C. area. After Mark was honorably discharged from the Army in 1975, they were married in Jo’s hometown of Roswell, New Mexico. Mark and Jo settled in Wichita. Mark worked as an electrician with his father at Loper Electric. Jo finished her government career at Wichita’s Eisenhower Airport working for the FAA. Mark finished his electrical career when he retired from Southwest Electric.

Mark loved hunting, fishing, cooking, music, his friends, his dog Sochi, and the many toys he collected over the years. Mark’s many talents were reflected in the projects he had accomplished at home. From landscaping, turning wrenches, building stereo systems, and perfecting the art of reloading. Over the years, Mark traveled to Canada with friends for some fishing expeditions of a lifetime. Mark stayed in touch with his Army buddies, and enjoyed a few recent reunions in the Ozarks. Mark enjoyed visiting with friends for hours of conversation.

To many, he was a favorite friend, a favorite uncle, a favorite brother-in-law, and a favorite son of Wichita. He was a son to two, husband to one, a father to one, a brother to one, and a friend to all.

So as not to leave this Earth without a haircut and a shoe shine, Mark was Baptized on his last day before entering into Eternal Life.

Mark was preceded in death by his wife, Josephine Young; his parents, Richard and Jerelyn Young, and his sister, Debra Knipp. He is survived by his son, Shaun Young of Kansas City, Kansas; his sister Debra’s children, Adam Knipp and Allison Everett, and many other nephews and nieces in Kansas, New Mexico, and Texas.

A Graveside Service will be held at Resurrection Cemetery, 1640 North Maize Road, on March 15, at 12 Noon. Mark's remains will be placed with Jo at their final resting place. Final Blessings and Military Honors will be part of the services. A gathering for family and friends will be planned, and the location will be announced at the graveside service.

Eternal rest grant unto Mark, O Lord, and let Your Perpetual Light shine upon him.