ALEXANDRIA, IN – Pastor William Gerald Young “Jerry” went home to Jesus on June 20, 2023, at the age of seventy-five. Jerry was born to Ken and Jean Young, on February 3, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan. Jerry first met his high school sweetheart and future wife, Chris Young, in 1963 in Livonia, Michigan. They attended Bentley High School together.
Jerry went on to attend Taylor University, where he earned a degree in music. He later attended seminary at Anderson College. They married on August 30, 1969, and went on to have three children, Carrie, Kevin, and Kellie. They made their home in Alexandria, Indiana, where they served faithfully at Christian Congregation Church for more than 40 years. In addition to being a loving husband, dad, and “Gramps,” Jerry loved serving in pastoral ministry for 50 years, 45 of which were spent at Christian Congregation Church. Jerry enjoyed leading the church choir, photography, sports, and supporting his grandkids in their many endeavors! His greatest love was people and serving them in weddings, funerals, dedications, counseling, hospital visits, and throughout their everyday lives. For his entire life, he held an unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, and he shared His love with everyone he encountered. His life verses were Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. He is survived by three children, Carrie (Scott) Rowland, Kevin (Rachel) Young, and Kellie (JT) Morgan. He was known as “Gramps” by his 8 grandchildren: Mackenzie McCarty, William, Bryan, and Luke Rowland, Kameron and Hallie Young, Lily Kate and Makenna Morgan. He is also survived by his brother, Dennis (Joyce) Young, sister, Karen (Jeff) Mason, sister-in-law Kathleen (David Oberweiser) Densmore, and several nieces and nephews. Finally, it is impossible to name all those who he considered to be and were very special friends and family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Chris, parents, Ken and Jean Young, in-laws, Bob and Helen Densmore, and several extended family members. All are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life service during morning worship on Sunday, July 2nd, 2023, at Christian Congregation Church of Alexandria, at 10 am. The Young family will receive friends from 2 pm 6 pm at the church on Saturday, July 1st, 2023. Memorial contributions are suggested to: Christian Congregation Church, at 11015 North 300 East, Alexandria, IN 46001. Special thanks to: Christian Congregation Church Family, Southern Care Hospice Team, and the entire community for welcoming him into Alexandria and making him a Tiger. Jerry will be profoundly missed by his family and friends, but we rejoice in knowing we will be together again! Owens Funeral Home is honored to care for Jerry and serve the Young family. Online condolences: www.owensmemorialservices. com
