Richard Alfred Younger, 93, of Hays, Kansas passed away Tuesday, February 22, 2022, in Hays. He was born August 13, 1928, in Antonino, Kansas, to Peter and Catherine (Pfannenstiel) Younger. Richard graduated from Hays High in 1946 and from Fort Hays State University. He married Betty Jean Augustine October 17, 1953, at St. Mary’s Church in Ellis, Kansas.
Richard worked as a paint chemist in Detroit after his graduation from Fort Hays and served in the United States Air Force. He eventually ended up in Ellis with his family where he owned the Ellis Door Shop and also sold paint out of the same store. Richard was a gifted carpenter homebuilder having built homes in Ellis and Hays. He enjoyed making cabinets and furniture as well as wood crafts. He enjoyed gardening and was an avid sports fan especially the Royals, Chiefs and KU Jayhawks. Richard and Betty were members of the Sunflower Polka Club for 30 years and genuinely enjoyed attending dances with family and friends. Richard was a past member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ellis and a current member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Hays and a 4th degree Ellis Knights of Columbus member.
Richard is survived by his wife, Betty Jean, Hays; two sons, Gregory Younger, Houston, TX, Terrance (Janice) Younger, Frisco, TX; five daughters Sylvia (Charles) Kinderknecht, Ellis, Joyce (Ken) Creek, Pottsboro, TX, Rosemary (Randall) Johnson, Ellis, Mary (Russell) Thom, Hays, Christine (Allen) Lang, Victoria; one brother, Francis Younger, Hays; and one sister, Mary Dreiling, Hays; 15 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Allen Younger; a grandson, Jarret Johnson; six brothers, Severin, Victor, Alvin, Joe, Eddie, and Norman; and a sister Cora Sawazhki.
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM, Monday, February 28, 2022, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Hays.
Visitation will be Monday 10:00 AM until service time at the church.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Hospice at HaysMed.
Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 2509 Vine, Hays, KS 67601.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected]