Luther "Wade" Young

Luther “Wade” Young, 76, of Independence MO, a dedicated Vietnam veteran who was proud of military service and serving his country, passed away on November 17, 2021. Wade was born on June 13, 1945 in Eubank, Kentucky to Luther and Liddie Young. He joined the United States Air Force after high school, where he proudly served for 4 years. 42 years after his discharge, Wade was awarded the Bronze Star of Valor. On July 24, 1996, He married Nancy in Kansas City, MO. For over 25 years, he worked as an armed security officer for Baptist Medical Center. As a licensed photographer, Wade truly enjoyed photography and was always behind the camera. He was a family man and loved attending concerts and musical plays and traveling together with Nancy. He was a huge Kansas City Chiefs fan and he loved meeting up with his military friends at reunions. Those that knew Wade will always remember him as a very kind and caring man who never met a stranger, and he will be deeply missed.

Wade is survived by his wife of 25 ½ years, Nancy Young; children, Luther Wade Young, II, Sherry (Jacob) Coons, Jennifer (Brian) Lapthorn, Janis (Eric) Glynn, and Jerry (Michelle) Wilson; sisters, Donna (Tim) Darnell and Patty (Greg) DeLure; uncle, George (Ruth) Wesley; 6 grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and Vietnam buddies. He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther Ray, and Liddie Bell Young; sister, Joyce Kunkel; and brothers, Lonnie Young (USMC) and Bobby Young.

A private service to honor Wade will be held for the family. He will be laid to rest at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Disabled American Veterans, 14605 E US Hwy 40, Kansas City, MO 64136. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Speaks Suburban Chapel (816) 373-3600).