Kenneth L. Young

Kenneth L. Young was born and raised in Springfield, OH. He graduated from Springfield High School and became the first black man in Springfield to manage a grocery store. He worked for Colonial Stores in Ohio and Lucky Stores in Alameda, California for many years. In April of 1996, Ken retired from the grocery business in order to move to Sarasota, Florida. Ken and his first wife, Joannie, raised three beloved children: Tony, Tory and Tia.

For fifteen years he was a member and greeter at Bayside Community Church, Bradenton, Florida. He and Helen, now his present wife, have an extensive church family who supported them during his final days. He started a barbeque business called “Dem Bones BBQ”. He was an accomplished pit-master. Ken loved his music and loved to go dancing. Ken then worked for the Manatee County School District as a bus driver.

Ken, who liked to be called “Bear”, is survived by his wife, Helen; his daughter, Tory Mobley; son-in-law Andrew Mobley; daughter-in-law Vivian Miller, along with many cousins and grandchildren.

Ken died peacefully in his sleep.

A memorial will be conducted at the Palms-Robarts Funeral Home, located at 170 Honore Ave., Sarasota, Florida 34232. Service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of Florida.