Thomas Ray Young

Thomas Ray Young died peacefully at Cottage in the Meadow in Yakima, Washington on January 7th, 2017 following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born to Roy and Ruth Young on June 10th, 1943 in Danville, IN and raised on a farm outside of Covington, IN, close to the Wabash River. Tom graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1961 and immediately joined the Ellensburg Police Department. He married Rita Ann Mattson on September 14th, 1968. Tom went on to be the Kittitas County Sheriff for 6 years. After his retirement from the Sheriff’s department, Tom went to work for the Washington State Gambling Commission from 1986-2009. Tom also served in the National Guard as a part of his commitment to Country and Community.

Tom loved to travel, with his favorite place being the sunny and warm beaches of Honolulu, HI. Throughout his life, Tom loved to ride his Gold Wing motorcycle, go fishing, meet new people and play card games. Tom was a jokester with a keen sense of humor, but he was also a very kind and supportive father.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother Jerry Young. He is survived by his brother John Young of Olympia, WA, his daughters Michelle Young of Milwaukee, WI, Tracey (Bryan) Mullins of Mililani, HI, and his adopted son Michael Christopher of Kenmore, WA. He was a very doting grandfather who loved hearing about the adventures of his only granddaughter Lindsey on a regular basis.

The family would like to thank all of Tom’s wonderful friends in Yakima and the guys of his coffee group, who watched after him the last few months.

A memorial service will be held at Keith and Keith Funeral Home on Friday, January 13th, 2017 at 2:00p.m.