Kenneth Lee Young

Kenneth Lee Young, age 90, of Independence, MO passed away Saturday, March 15, 2025.

“If you have a piece of peach cobbler, I will have dessert,” is a phrase that Kenneth asked in just about every restaurant that he frequented and very few, if any, ever had that on the dessert menu. Well, he finally went to a place that does and is now having a slice of heaven. Ken Young was passionate about Kansas City, passionate about sports and passionate about his family. Everyone he met was a friend and he was loved by everyone.

Ken was a 1953 graduate of Northeast High School in Kansas City. He attended college at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, MO, and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Rockhurst University in Kansas City, MO. He was the first member of his family to receive a college degree. He served in the Air Force Reserves for seven years and was called to active duty during the Bay of Pigs and Berlin Wall Crisis. Ken met and married his high-school sweetheart from Northeast High School, Audrey Joy Graybill, and together they shared 69 years of marriage, three children, and seven grandchildren.

Ken began his work experience at a youthful age of twelve and was employed by several iconic Kansas City entities like the A&P Grocery Stores, Montgomery Ward, and Sheffield Armco Steel Corporation. Upon graduation from Rockhurst, Ken was promoted at Armco Steel to lead Employee Relations and then as a key Lobbyist for the company and steel industry during his 16 year tenure.

Ken’s love of sports and the community was exemplified as one of the founding members of the Blue Valley Businessmen Association where Ken was instrumental in helping to bring the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals teams to Kansas City. He was a charter member of the Royal Lancers and the Kansas City Chief’s Red Coaters, serving several positions on the board, including the office of President. Ken attended and was on the field during Super Bowl I in 1967 and was with the Chiefs when they won Super Bowl IV in 1970. He attended the game and escorted players in the parade for the World Champions in downtown Kansas City. With his close association and love for the Chiefs, he left Armco Steel to become the Director of Ticket Operations for the Chiefs. During this time, he organized and created the Wolf Pack, a fan club devoted to building the spirit of the Chiefs, and later this became the KC Wolf, current team mascot. With Ken’s oversight of ticket operations, he was responsible for games at the original Municipal Stadium and the transition to Arrowhead Stadium, the current home of the Chiefs. Ken continued his involvement with the team and loved being part of the Kansas City Chiefs Family. He served on the Board of Directors of the Kansas City Chiefs Alumni Association for many years beyond retirement, where he was fundamental in raising funds for charities near to his heart: “Make a Wish Foundation”, “Caring for Kids”, and the ”Greater Kansas City YMCA”.

His last endeavor was with his close friend, Joseph Basso, as partners of a beverage distributorship, Downtown Wholesalers, Inc, which was previously owned by Bill Grigsby, the original voice of the Chiefs. Together, Ken and Joe grew the business over 20 years and built many valued friendships and relationships with many Kansas City businesses, grocery store and restaurant owners. Their company was eventually sold to a company owned by Joe Montana, a tribute to Ken’s circle with the Chiefs.

Ken leaves his wife, Joy, of 69 years and their three children: Alycia (Russell) Rogers, Kenny (Merel) Young, Randy (Mary) Young and seven grandchildren: Audrey Rogers, Meredith Rogers, Warren Rogers, Lucas Young, Ashley Young, and Drew (Sunshine) Young and Miranda Young. Ken also leaves a number of nieces and nephews and with his strong love of family, he was close to many relatives with both his and his wife’s families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alma Jewell and Silver Richard Young; an older brother, Lowell Richard Young, younger sister Norma Jean Young Miller, and two beloved nieces, Brenda Lee Miller Hart and Marsha Miller Jones.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held 2:00 pm Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 West Lexington Avenue, Independence, MO 64052. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the William Syndrome Association, Williams Syndrome Association's website (www.williams-syndrome.org/donate) or by phone 248-244-2229.