John Allen Young

July 5, 1949 ~ November 14, 2021
He was born July 5, 1949 in Danville, KY to the late Paul and Virginia (Cloyd) Young. John grew up in Junction City and was a graduate of Boyle County High School. He excelled in sports, earning an All-American status in Football and in 1991 was inducted into the BCHS Football Hall of Fame. John attended Eastern Kentucky University achieving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Fisheries and Wildlife. In 1973, he began his career with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. During his 29 years with the Department, John served with the Clean Water Commission and Land Reclamation, was instrumental in the clean-up of Times Beach and past Director of the Division of Environmental Quality. A founding member of the U.S. Dept. of Justice Environmental Task Force, he was recognized as Air Conservationist of the year in 1999 and retired in 2002 as Director of the Air and Land Protection Division. John was known for his professionalism, ethics and strong leadership skills.
John deeply valued making positive contributions to his community. He served as past president of the Optimist Club of Jefferson City and past president of the Parish Council at the Cathedral of St. Joseph. As an active member of the parish, he served at mass as a Lector and Usher for many years. To say John was active in the Scouting program would be an understatement. John is an Eagle Scout, as are his two sons and eldest grandson. He was awarded the District Award of Merit and Silver Beaver Award from the Great Rivers Council, Boy Scouts of America. John participated in countless Scout campouts as well as coordinating annual efforts with the Scouts in cleaning up our State Parks and city-wide food collection. His final act of service was as an organ donor.
John's greatest pride and joy was his family. On June 19, 1982 he married Mary Ann Garr in the Governor’s Garden in Jefferson City. They were blessed with four children, Liz, Rebecca, John Paul and Daniel. Being a dad often meant also being Coach, Den Leader, Scout Master, volunteer Scientist, carpool driver and Can-Do man. John made helping his kids become well rounded adults a priority and adventure.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann of Jefferson City, his children, Liz (Derrick) Peterson of Columbia and their children, Isaac, Athena, Charlotte and Gabe, Rebecca Young of Jefferson City, John Paul (Heather) Young of Lewiston, Maine and their children, Elise and Miles and Daniel Joseph Allen (David Roach) Young of Maryland Heights, one brother, Tom (Sharon) Young of Danville, KY, two sisters, Betty Teele of Lancaster, KY and Helen (Don) Greene of Danville, KY and sister-in-law, Barbara Young of Columbia. John was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Noble and sister, Mary Jane.
Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Sunday, November 21, 2021 at Dulle Trimble Funeral Home, 3210 North Ten Mile Dr., Jefferson City with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 22, 2021 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, 2305 West Main St. Father Louis Nelen will officiate. Burial will take place at Resurrection Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to Boy Scouts of America, Great Rivers Council, 1203 Fay Street, Columbia, MO 65201 (John Young Memorial) or Missouri State Parks, P.O. Box 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102 (John Young Memorial).
Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at www.dulletrimble.com.
My heartfelt condolences to Mary Ann and family. John was among my first acqaintances when I arrived in Jefferson City in 1977 and began work with the DNR, Division of Environmental Quality. He hopped in our truck with Jody and I one snowy evening as we made the rounds with other DNR folks for Christmas caroles. We knew hardly anyone, so it was most welcome! Following his assignment in Kansas City he was then working in the Land Reclamation Program. He fairly quickly became the Director and hired me to join the staff there to help usher in the new state regulatory program under the Federal surface mining law. This had so many moving parts, it was mind boggling! It was a young staff, enthusiastic and high spirited. We worked hard, learned as we went, made a few mistakes, but ultimately got it launched. On time. It was a signature accomplishment for us all, competently lead by John. Along the way we had his legendary Kentucky Derby parties, worked on home projects together, had families, children and edged our way into adulthood at long last. He lead us, encouraged us, sometimes corrected us, supported us but most of all was a friend to us. Easily among the best leaders I worked with in my career. In 1987, I left the Land Reclamation Program for a new opportunity and we parted company and only rarely had contact after that. But he was a formative person in the way I approached work throughout my life. I am forever grateful for this person and he will be missed. Godspeed, John. Jeff Kingdon
My son, Grant Wittstruck, sent this obituary to me. Grant is an Eagle Scout from Troop 1 in Jefferson City and I was Scout Master of Troop 1 until John Young took over the leadership for Troop 1. John lived the life his God wanted him to live. A wonderful, caring man whose faith in his God always impressed everyone who knew him. He will be missed by those whose lives he touched. John Wittstruck,, along with Grant Wittstruck in Panama City Beach, Florida,
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
I am so very sorry for your incredible loss. Having worked for DNR (State Parks), I know Mr. Young is a legend to all of us. He did so much for the department, and that is just a shadow of what he contributed to the world overall. I worked with his daughter Rebecca and witnessed her energy that mirrors her dad’s. My heart breaks for her and the full family. Praying for strength for each of you. Angie Even
Mary Ann, so very sorry to read this. Hugs to you and your family. We sure enjoyed our time working with you all when our kids were at South School.
John was a great neighbor and a wonderful friend. Eric and Aimee Veile and Dwight and Eva Fine
John Young was DEQ when I worked with DNR. Mary Ann and family, I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing; he was too young. He shared his love of the natural resources with all of us, and he was a good teacher. Thank you for sharing him with all of us who worked at DNR.
I had the pleasure of working with John when he was MoDNR’s director of the Division of Environmental Quality. He was such an outstanding leader and mentor to all of his employees. He always told us if anyone of his family members called during a meeting to interrupt the meeting no matter what. We knew his family was his number one priority. He always told his employees not to worry if we needed to be off work with our kids – they were our first priorities as well. He passion for protecting Missouri’s natural resources was also his priority. He accomplished so much during his career that most will never realize. Just know, he helped cleanup and protect our state to his fullest ability. I will always appreciate the times he stopped me in the hallway or came to my office to tell me thank you for a job well done. Mary Ann, Rebecca and the rest of your family are in my thoughts and prayers. He was such a kind, generous and loving soul taken way too soon. He will be greatly missed. ߙϰߏۢݤ️
building on the comments of Dr. John Wittstruck. John Youngs’ life was the personification of a life well lived. John never did anything halfway. when he was in he was all the way in. My son son Jonathan Bock is also an Eagle scout from Troop 1. credit for this accomplishment goes to the high ethics and leadership of first Dr. Wittstruck and later John Young. John Young taught my son to set goals and have the perseverance to achieve. our family will forever be grateful to John Young for helping Jonathan achieve his life goals.
I am so sorry to read this. I knew John and his family growing up in Junction City, KY. He was always such a lovely person, even as a teenager! I was younger and he was nice to me. Helen stayed close to my parents as they years have gone by. Holding all of you in my prayers. May God’s perpetual light shine on John and May you feel the hugs and prayers from those who knew him. Sincerely Eloise Upton Campbell
While heaven just got brighter, those of us left behind feel the loss of that light. Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of John. Hoping all the prayers, heartfelt thoughts, and your special memories will bring some level of comfort.
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing…sending my deepest sympathy to Mary Ann and the family…
I am so sorry Mary Ann. Thinking of you and your entire family. John was special. His advice, counsel and support were always the best. I don’t know anyone who gave to his family, the community and especially kids all his caring and love! A consummate professional in his work and a caring leader in all he did. I may not have said it to him but I admired John so much and so appreciated his honesty, ethics and caring. Hadnt seen him in some time but I am missing him greatly. We are the same age…born in the same year. I honor John. He will remain in our thoughts and lives. All our love to Mary Ann and the entire family. Steve Mahfood
It was an honor to work with John for many years during our time at MDNR, what a privilege. However, my most fond memories are those times we spent during Scouting. Those camp outs, hikes, and summer camps are firmly implanted great memories. My most sincere condolences to the family. Life well lived! He’ll be missed by many!
As the Environmental Engineer/Manager for a mining company I appreciated the honest, competent way John dealt with us. I also appreciated the great man he was, and enjoyed many non-business related conversations with him. My condolences to his family.
Mary Ann, Rebecca and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I was honored to work with John when he served as DEQ director. He was a friend and provided me with a lot of good advice and wise counsel over the years. I will miss him and you and your family will remain in my prayers. – Dru Buntin
John and I worked together for a number of years on the Missouri dioxin cleanups. He was a good and honorable man and always spoke the truth. I considered him a friend and he will be missed. Prayers for the family.
My condolences to the family. He was a great leader with the Division of Environmental quality. I remember him truly engaging with staff, asking questions, trying to get the right solution…all the while making everyone he worked with feel included and valued. Hard-working, ethical, direct, sincere, with an uncanny ability to get things done right. I respected him greatly. So worry to hear of his passing.
Lit a candle in memory of John Young
First met John in the fall of 1978. I was just out of school and working for a surface coal mine in Howard county north of Columbia. He was always fair and unbiased in his approach to surface coal mining and I always held him in high regard and respect for what he accomplished during the early years of building the Land Reclamation Program, a major job! I am indebted to John for helping all of us, industry and DNR staff work to solve problems and issues of which there were countless numbers in those early days. I still am a part of this as vice-chairman of the now Missouri Mining Commission and owe my success throughout my career to a lot of people but John is one of those I will never forget. My condolences to the family and friends of John. He will be missed.
Mary Ann and family, Dave and I were so saddened to hear of John’s passing. Not only was he a legend among those of us blessed to work with him at the Department of Natural Resources but a pillar of his community. May all of the good memories and the knowledge that John’s was a life well-lived help sustain you in this extraordinarily difficult time. We will be thinking of you.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Leanne!
It seems he never shied away from a big project. Thank you so much for your kind words, Mike!
He truly put his all into everything he set out to do. Thank you so much for your kind words, John!
Thank you for your prayers and kind words, Gary!
Thank you for your prayers and kind words, Dru!
He always had time for a chat. Thank you for your kind words, John!
Thank you so much for sharing this, Rob. He is missed a lot!
These are exactly the traits I think of, as well. Thank you for your kind words, Steve!
We are feeling the care. Thank you, Cindy!
He was truly a light in our lives. Thank you, Priscilla! Thank you, John!
We are feeling the care. Thank you, Eloise!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Llona!
Thank you for the hugs, Nancy! Becca said I can have her hug, so thanks again!
Thanks for your kind words and prayers, Angie!
John greeted me into the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in the early 80’s when I was fresh out of college. Looking back, I’m amazed at his willingness to invest in new hires and trust in their work ethic. We were green and yet allowed to travel freely around the state, knocking on doors, carrying notebooks across private property and chatting with locals about the effects of past coal mining practices. His leadership was rewarded with thousands of acres restored to safe and useful conditions for many generations to come. His important contributions to the state, the environment and to scouting ends too soon. He will be greatly missed.
What a contribution to life, to his family, friends, community, career and the environment. Was so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Quite an accomplished man. May his good works and legacy live on. I spent grades 1 – 12 with John at Junction City School and Boyle County High School. Always nice kind and a gentleman. We sat next to each other in our alphabetized classroom – me W he Y. 12 years of learning and growing and getting prepared to launch into more of life. John did extremely well. My name is Clara Walker. I live in Melissa, Tx. Very blessed to have known John. Condolences and God’s Peace to John’s family.
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of John. Mary Ann, kids and grandchildren I will keep you and John in my thoughts and prayers. As we see in obituary, John was a great man. He was devoted to his family. I remember talking to John about trips following his kids to gymnastics and track meets, to camping trips with the scouts, family vacations and many other activities and events. I worked with and for John for 20+ years. Without formalizing the process, John was a mentor to me. I watched him work with legislators, DNR staff, people impacted by environmental decisions made by DNR. John did not back down from any challenge and I learned from him directly and from watching him work! John was a hard worker, did not shy away from difficult tasks tasks and responsibilities. He had a great eye for talent and always did the right thing. He will be missed sorely not only by his family but by those who worked with and for him! John, I am sure God has welcomed you to his home! Dan Schuette
He definitely instilled doing the right thing in all of us kids/grands. Thank you for your kind words and sharing with us, Dan!
He definitely instilled doing the right thing in us kids. Thank you for sharing this and your kind words!
We are feeling the care from here. He never stopped learning and preparing for the next stages of his life. Thank you for your kind words, Clara!
I was saddened today to hear of John’s passing. I joined DNR in 1999 in the water program and had the good fortune to benefit from his leadership, counsel, and encouragement until his retirement. As others have said, he really did care for staff and the mission of the agency; he was a true servant leader. After he retired, it was always good to see him at Mass at the Cathedral. He would ask how things were going at DNR, but he was most interested in how my wife and I (also a DNR employee) and our kids were doing. As a manager of staff at DNR myself now, I’ve often thought about his strong witness to hard work, concern for others, and stewardship of ones gifts. I hope that I can continue to serve as he did at DNR. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let Your perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen. – John Hoke
With fond memories and a deep respect for Uncle John, we grieve with you and love you. Peace, Dan, Suzie, Jacob, Nicholas & Mary
I worked for John at Land Reclamation. Great leader. Prayers for your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The Steinmeier Family expresses its sincere sympathy to the Young Family upon the loss of a wonderful man, husband, father and grandfather. We are deeply saddened by this news. In addition to all his professional and civic accomplishments, John Young was simply one of the nicest people on the planet. The photo is perfect, showing a smile we will all remember fondly. His passing is a great loss to all who knew him and to the entire community. Through your tears of sadness, may you feel joy in the priceless memories you share of John’s life and legacy. Throughout your time of mourning, may “the peace of God, which surpasses all human understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7). With love, Bill and Becky Steinmeier
In many ways, John reminded me of my own father. He knew no stranger and could make friendly conversation with anyone. In my many years of being Liz’s friend, I joked with him, chatted with him, and got to watch him be a loving grandfather. I know the family won’t be the same without him but they are better because of him!
We were shocked when Debbie told us about John. He was such a wonderful, loving and caring man. We felt honored to call him family. He will be missed. We can’t be with you physically but we are with you in prayer and sadness. Love from Pat & Chuck Lonardo and Georgeann Bonderer
Mary Ann and family I was so saddened to hear of John’s death. I considered John a mentor during my days at the Department of Natural Resources. John was an exceptional advisor in management and with life experiences, I valued his opinion and guidance. I particularly remember his expert guidance on my conversation to Catholicism as he shared in his journey. He was kind, and I loved his sense of humor. Jim and Lisa Macy, Gretna Nebraska
Mary Ann, John was a great colleague. He was a man of integrity and dedication. He was a great support to me while I was director of the Missouri DNR. I will have a mass said in his name. God bless you and your family. Tracy Mehan
Mary Ann: I worked with John at DNR when I was the legislative liaison, a euphemism for lobbyist. We found ourselves in fast moving situations quite often regarding environmental policy but he was always so calm. He was highly regarded by everyone and I consider it a privilege to have served in government with him. Kathy Hale Archibald
I am one of Liz’s students and had the pleasure of sharing a class with her father John. He was a lovely congenial man with a wonderful sense of humor. He made me laugh. I know his passing is a great loss. My sympathy to his family. Draw close and share all the lovely memories Mary Whobrey
A wonderful guy, gone much too young. Our love and prayers to Mary Ann and all the family. Keith and Kay Schardein
We met John and Mary Ann when our son Adam started South School with JP . John coached many soccer teams and led numerous Boy Scout meetings for the boys . John was an extremely positive person and you could see how much he truly cared for kids and his family . Mary Ann and family I am so sorry for you lose . Prayers for All .
Mary Ann, I was so sorry to read of John’s passing. What a good and decent man he was! I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I hope all the wonderful memories of John bring you comfort in the days ahead. May his memory always be a blessing. Pat Hubbs
I was very sad to hear of John’s passing. He was a great public servant— one of my favorites to see and hear from when I worked in the Governor’s Office. The State of Missouri is a better place because of his hard work.