The Richmond News, Mar. 29, 2024

Michael Lynn Youger, 61, of Lexington passed away Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at NorthCare Hospice House in North Kansas City, surrounded by family.

Visitation was scheduled for 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, at Walker-Nadler-Fuller Funeral Home, 1720 South St., Lexington; phone: 660259-2245. A funeral service was scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, also at Michael Youger

the funeral home.

Interment was scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, March 28, in the Church Hill Cemetery in McClellandtown, Penn.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a blood donation or donating to the family in care of Jeffrey Rash for a charity to be determined. Memories of Michael and condolences for his family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page.

Michael was born Jan. 1, 1963, in Waynesburg, Penn., to Kenneth and Carole (Smith) Youger.

He graduated from Carmichaels (Penn.) High School. Michael received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin. He also served in the Missouri National Guard.

Michael was devoted to his students and worked for the Lexington R-V School District and then the Richmond-XVI School District for 18-plus years. He was a special education teacher and later worked as a paraprofessional, mostly with special education students.

Michael was the Science Olympiad coach for Lexington. At the time of his death, he was the head coach for the Richmond Science Olympiad program. He was proud that many of his students advanced to the state tournament each year and some earned medals.

Michael was a Parent Aide for the Families First program.

When Michael was not helping others, he loved watching Harry Potter films and “The Nightmare Before Christmas. “ He enjoyed cooking; and finding unique restaurants, especially ones from “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” and taking trips to visit restaurants featured on the show.

Michael also was known as an excellent cook. He loved trying new dishes and cooking unique meals that were not mainstream. He was known for his smoked ribs.

Michael had a love for art and drawing. In addition to spending time with family and friends, Michael enjoyed tinkering on his Jeep and traveling with Julie on their yearly trips to the beach to relax and enjoy the ocean.

Michael is survived by his longtime partner, Julie Wandell of Lexington; daughter, Winnie Youger-Rash, and son-in-law Jeffrey Youger-Rash of Richmond; and seven grandchildren, Jessica Beecher, Ivy Wandell, Kennedy Wandell, Nehemiah Looney, Jezebel Looney, Elizabell Looney and Ariahbele Looney.

Other survivors include two sisters, Lois (Mike) Beecher of Salem, Ore., and Bonnie Walker of Clarksville, Penn.; three brothers, Timothy (Abita) Youger of Sheridan, Ore., Douglas (Sheila) Youger of Independence and Scott Youger of Mapletown, Penn.; a childhood best friend, Chris Pratt of Carmichaels; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Youger and David Youger.