Clarence Samuel Young

Clarence Samuel Young (Sam) passed away on November 26, 2024, at Stormont Vail Hospital. Sam was born on January 10, 1949, at the Old Morris County Hospital in Council Grove, Kansas to Williard Lee Young and Bertha Isabel Sowers Young.

Sam grew up in the Council Grove area attending both elementary and high school in Council Grove where he graduated in 1967. Growing up he worked as a Custom Cutter with his parents, off and on, almost 20 years and in high school he was an assistant janitor at the grade school, a bouncer at the local theater, The Ritz, and a stock boy at Dick’s Market. After high school he worked as a lineman for Wrights Tree Service before joining the US Navy. He married Betty Sue Voorhees in Americus, KS at the Americus Methodist Church on August 22, 1970. They had many grand adventures together. 

Sam and Betty lived in several places in the Midwest due to Sam’s work. They lived in Corpus Christi, Texas while Sam worked as a Plane Captain third class petty officer in the US Navy. They made their home in Council Grove where Sam worked as a machinist at Didde Glasser in Emporia for about 2 years before owning his own gas station, Sam’s Economy, in Council Grove. After a few years he joined Neosho Construction as a service manager on large equipment. During that time, they lived in East Glacier, Montana and were some of the first citizens of Wright, Wyoming. The Youngs returned home to Council Grove where they settled in to build a wonderful life in the home they have lived in for 52 years. Sam hired on as a brakeman then became an Engineer for the Missouri Pacific Railroad which eventually merged with Union Pacific Railroad and retired after 31 years of service due to an injury. He made many friends during his time working on the railroad. 

Sam was a talented artist. He owned his own photography business, Country Images, for 15 years and captured memories through senior photos, weddings, and more. His love for photography and capturing memories has stayed with him his whole life. He also had talents in drawing, wood carving, stained glass, and wood burning. His attention to detail was impressive and made him an amazing artist. 

Sam and Betty were able to live in Texas for several months each year as Winter Texans. They made great friends from all over during this time and are so thankful for those years. During this time Sam picked up yet another hobby, Stunt Kite Flying. He could fly single line, dual line and his favorite, quad line kites. He was asked to perform in South Padre’s Kite fest a few years back and always wanted to do it again. 

Sam was incredibly proud of the life he built and his family. Sam and Betty were married for 54 years and they have two children. One of Sam’s greatest gifts to his children and grandchildren was that he was a constant presence at their events and cheered them on in everything they did. He was a proud Papa and loved his family deeply. 

Sam was predeceased by his dad, Willard Young, and mother, Bertha Young. He will always be remembered with love by his wife, Betty, son and daughter-in-law, Troy and Nikki Young, and their children Abbey (Brent) Hirsch and Joshua Young, daughter and son-in-law Amanda and Jeremy McDiffett, and their children David and Dillon McDiffett. He also was blessed to have three great-grandchildren, Lucille, Virgina, and Eleanor Hirsch. He also leaves behind three siblings, Michael Young, Diane Niehoff (Jim), and Daniel Young (Gale), Betty’s brothers and sisters, and a long list of nieces, nephews, and extended family. 

He was also greatly loved and will be missed by many friends he’d made over the years. He had a big heart and he loved so many. 

Celebration of Life services are planned for Saturday, December 7 at 11:00 a.m. at the Council Grove – Dunlap United Methodist Church. A visitation will precede the service at 10:00 a.m. at the church. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Council Grove – Dunlap United Methodist Church or Morris County 4-H Foundation.