Francis Andrew Younger, 79, passed away Saturday, October 24, 2020, at Clear Creek Care Center in Westminster, Co. He was a longtime resident of Syracuse, KS.
To friends and family, he was known as Frank.
He was born October 18, 1941, in Victoria, Kansas, the son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Mermis) Younger. Frank was the youngest of eight siblings. While growing up he helped work the family farm and was active in sports: rotating between football, basketball and baseball. As was the case with each of his older brothers, Frank displayed the most talent and passion at baseball; he had a reputation as a crafty pitcher, and threw a number of no-hitter games while playing in the local leagues around Hays, Kansas.
Frank joined the Kansas National Guard after High School and attended Fort Hays State University. He later settled in Salina, Kansas, after finding employment at Beech Aircraft. It was in Salina that he would also meet his future wife, Carla (Pfefferkorn) Younger, and they would have three children: Lori, Rebecca, and Matthew.
After the Beech plant closed in 1981, he moved his family to Syracuse, Kansas, where he became a proud employee of the Kansas Department of Transportation for the next 24 years. Frank began his employment with KDOT as an Equipment Operator, and advanced to the position of Engineering Technician before retiring in 2007.
He also gave a total of 23 years of honorable service to the Kansas National Guard, retiring in 2001.
Frank was an active member of St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, where he was also a longtime member of the Syracuse council of the Knights of Columbus. He was involved in the Syracuse Lions Club, and for many years was a reliable and proud participant in the Syracuse Veterans Day parade.
In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening and woodworking. He remained an avid sports fan and spectator his entire life, with KU and KSU being among his favorite teams. His weekend routine always revolved around being free at game time.
Francis was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; Ralph Younger and Cletus Younger and his wife Rose, three sisters; Irene Linenberger and husband Paul, Bernice McMillan and husband Don, and Marilyn Prewo.
He is survived by his wife; Carla (Pfefferkorn) Younger of Overland Park, KS, two daughters; Lori Strella and husband Scott of Olathe, KS, and Rebecca Malleck and husband Tony of Henderson, CO, one son; Matthew Younger of Rogers, AR, three granddaughters; Ashley Strella of Wichita, KS and Abby Strella and Ava Strella of Olathe, KS, one brother; Nathan Younger of Commerce City, Co, one sister; Geraldine Ruder of Hays, KS, and one brother-in-law; Tom Prewo of Hays, KS.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Friday, October 30, 2020 at The Basilica of St. Fidelis in Victoria with Fr. James Moster officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 on Thursday at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Hays and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Friday at The Basilica. A vigil service and rosary will be at 6:30 pm on Thursday at the funeral home. Inurnment with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will be in St. Fidelis Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Knights of Columbus Annual Appeal. Condolences and memories of Frank may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com