John Edgar Young

John Young was found deceased in his home on August 27, 2015 after joining the Heavenly team days earlier. He is survived by: his brother Mike Young; his nephew Mike Young; three half-sisters Heather McCarthy, Molle Young, and Jackie Young; and his “forever daughter” Heather Wolfertz. John was locally known as an advocate for the hungry and homeless, with special interest in Veterans and Re-entry candidates. His pride and joy in his spare time was collecting stamps and gardening.

John Young was born October 1, 1945 in Cincinnati, Ohio, but quickly became a Floridian with his move to South Florida in 1954. He graduated from Miami Edison Senior High School in 1964. Joining the Air Force during the Vietnam Era, he discovered his passion to advocate for the less fortunate, with a special interest in veteran affairs. Following his family to Citrus County in the 70’s, he worked as a Manufacturing and Wholesale distributer for plumbing and hardware before co-owning his own similar business. In later years, he worked at Metal Industries and Walmart.

John poured out his whole heart and soul in everything he did. As a young man in the Miami area, he held the Presidency and a high ranking order with the Knights of Columbus, was an advisor for Catholic Youth organizations, and served as pack leader for a Cub Scout pack. Locally during the 90’s, he assisted Methodist Youth Organizations, volunteered for the Girl Scouts of America, and dedicated time for the Boys and Girls Club to help raise future generations of stamp collectors through the stamp club.

John Young became involved and developed a passion against homelessness in the late 1980’s, a passion which he never stopped fighting for. He was founder of various community initiatives starting with Christian Family Ministries where a family shelter was established in Crystal River, Florida. He founded and served as president of the Hunger and Homeless Coalition of Citrus County, which organized an annual Veteran’s stand down. He advocated and won McKinney Vento rights for homeless students and the right for homeless to be able to vote in elections. After becoming a double leg amputee in 2009 due to challenges with diabetes, he started meeting with patients that were facing the same difficult choice, at local hospitals and Florida VA facilities, to share with them independent life after amputation. Now chair-bound, John initiated and operated JOER Cares, a 24/7 “Last Call for Help Line”. Most recently, John had added working with re-entry coalitions, probation offices, federal prisons, and hospitals in the interest of providing support to prisoners after release. He was a member of countless committees and organizations for the hungry, homeless, veterans, and re-entry needy citizens in the community, the state, and other collaborating states, and influenced many more.

John believed in taking action to accomplish the goal of helping others. He always let God drive his actions, he never gave up, and he kept advocating for those without a voice. His bold and brash approach was not always easily accepted, but he was a “pit bull” in accomplishing his goals. John made the world a better place with one person saved at a time, from the streets or in their heart.

We are asking that in lieu of flowers, send donations to help the hungry and homeless to:

Family Resource Center, Attn: Ginger West, 2435 North Florida Avenue, Hernando, FL 34442

**Be sure to memo John Young** (352) 344-1001