John F. Younger, Jr.

John was born on November 28, 1939, in Beaumont, Texas, the son of Charlene and John F. Younger, Sr. When he was five, the family moved to Midland, Texas, where he was raised, together with his kid brother, Charles. After graduating from Midland High School, where he served as president of the student body, John spent a formative post-graduate year at the New Hampton School in New Hampshire. He then earned an undergraduate degree from Yale University, where he took tremendous pride in being a core member of the undefeated freshman football team. He earned a law degree at the University of Texas at Austin where he met, quickly fell in love with, and married Chica Gray, whom he loved more than anyone.

Always a champion of the underdog, John intervened and advocated for those who suffered injustices and lacked the resources to defend themselves. He felt it was his duty. It is this conviction that led him to the Marine Corps and to the practice of law. His first post was in the JAG Corps. From there, he went on to become a respected trial attorney in San Antonio. In addition to giving his time and expertise in the courtroom, his professional success afforded him the ability to give philanthropically. He gave generously to friends and family, the church, people who were down on their luck, and entrepreneurs with “new and promising” business endeavors. We are still waiting for the Pet Ambulance to make it big.

John loved golf, and his prowess on the course earned him the affectionate nickname, Bogey. Fishing was another favorite pastime, especially in Junction, and his friends and family all agree that he spent far more time acquiring, assembling, and organizing his gear than he did in the water. The pleasure in acquiring gear for himself was exceeded only by the joy of buying it for someone else.

John’s accumulation of manly accoutrement applied not just to fishing but to all other activities befitting a sportsman. He had driving gloves, was among the first to rig in his car a CD player and not long thereafter a television screen. In the Marine tradition, he was always prepared with multiple rain jackets, a variety of umbrellas, watches for every occasion, dozens of knives, and boxes of golf balls, all just in case. And no one loved to read an instruction manual like him. Cover to cover. Then tell you about it.

Perhaps the thing he loved most, outside of his friends and family, was music. The 50’s turned out his all-time favorites, and he also “discovered” Neil Diamond in the 90’s, then Meatloaf a decade or so later. He always talked about “The Greats” and carried their music with him in his car, on the golf course, at weddings and even nursing homes and mental institutions.

As a result of his passions, and because he was good-natured, kind and patient, John had friends from all walks of life, human and animal. His love for his pets, and all animals, was unconditional and unabashed. It also meant that, while John loved the camaraderie of a guys’ weekend away, he didn’t make for much of a hunter.

Like all children of God, John was imperfect. He knew his faults. He also struggled with depression. He walked through life on earth led by his heart - a true romantic - which meant he was vulnerable, and he didn’t always make the “smart” choice: recall the Pet Ambulance and his conviction that Whataburger was the perfect breakfast. He never stopped loving his family and friends, and we are all grateful that he is now, and will forever more be, at eternal peace.

The family offers special thanks and tremendous gratitude to Liduvena Elizalde, a dear friend and caregiver; Don Hanson, Miranda Rankin and Dr. Alan Merin, all of whom were instrumental in John’s well-being in his last years on earth; and the many other providers who took such good care of John including the staff at Franklin Park Alamo Heights, Embrace Hospice of San Antonio and University Hospital.

John is survived by his wife of 54 years, Chica Younger; children, Galeana Elizabeth Younger (San Antonio, TX), John Stuart Younger (Burbank, CA) and Isabella Allen (Boston, MA); daughter-in-law, Co-Co Aiello-Younger; son-in-law, Chris Allen; Rachel and Jeff Woodson and their boys, Han and Bude; grandchildren, Gray, Eleanor, Lila and Polly; brother, Dr. Charles “Doc” Younger (Midland, TX) and his wife, Frances; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Reo Bravo.

A memorial service will be held for John at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in San Antonio, TX, on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at 11am, followed by a reception in Gosnell Hall at the church. In lieu of flowers, John’s family would welcome a contribution in his name to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (315 E. Pecan St., San Antonio, TX 78205), SNIPSA, an animal rescue organization (P.O. Box 90325, San Antonio, TX 78209), or the charity of your choice.

Vaya con Dios, Juan in a million.