Roger Lee Young

Roger Lee Young, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on June 25, 2026. Born in Akron, Ohio on September 6, 1948 to Donald Young and Lillian Alkire, Roger lived a life defined by service, hard work, and a genuine care for the people around him.

Roger answered his country’s call as a young man, serving with the First Air Cavalry during the Vietnam War in 1971. That spirit of service never left him. For decades after, he could be found volunteering with organizations like Meals on Wheels, showing up for his community the same way he always showed up for the people he worked alongside.

He built a long and distinguished career with BF Goodrich, spending more than 35 years managing manufacturing facilities that produced tires and parts for aircraft and heating systems before retiring in 2009. Those who worked with Roger knew him as someone who genuinely valued the people on his team — he had a gift for recognizing others for who they were, not just what they produced.

Roger always had a project to work on and liked to stay busy! He stayed active and engaged for as long as he was able, whether it was a woodworking project, fixing something around the house, or helping a friend.

Roger married Jeanne Elizabeth Stemple in 1970, and the two built a full life together — living across Ohio, West Virginia, Arizona, South Carolina, and Florida, and making lasting friendships wherever they landed. In retirement, their greatest delights were watching their grandchildren pursue their passions, hosting family gatherings at their lake house, and taking sunset rides on their boat. They shared more than 50 years together before Jeanne’s passing in October 2021.

Roger is survived by his two sons: Andrew Young and his wife Lauren, and Scott Young and his wife Elsie; and four grandchildren whom he adored — Liam, Riya, Samantha, and Lily. He is also survived by his sister Judy Roos and her husband Mark, and his sister-in-law Suzanne Mourton and her husband Gary.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the staff at First Community Village — and especially to Susan Maina — for the exceptional care and compassion shown to Roger in his final years. The family is also deeply grateful to all the friends and family who visited, called, and offered their support along the way.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Roger’s honor to either The Parkinson’s Foundation or Honor Flight Columbus – two organizations whose missions were important to him.