Ronald “Ron” K. Young
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Ronald K. Young, 79, passed away peacefully November 27, 2023, in Lawrence, KS.
Ron was born January 31, 1944, in Kingman, KS, the first child of Clay (Bus) and Esther (Maple) Young. He attended grades 1 – 6 at Belmont Grade School, and Jr. and Sr. High School in Kingman. Ron was awarded a BA (Harding College) and Masters degree (University of Kentucky) in Political Science. He married Karen Hardy with whom he had two sons, Erik and Jared. He worked for the State of Arkansas, retiring after many years as the Director of Training and Development for the Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services.
After retirement he continued to live in Little Rock until 2007 when he returned to Kingman County to help care for his parents. In 2014 he moved to Lawrence to live with his loving partner and companion Kim Kickhaefer. Ron’s passions included reading, a deep appreciation of the natural world, and keeping up with his extended family. Although widely travelled with trips to Scotland, Ireland, Europe, Australia, and Peru, Ron’s greatest travel love by far was driving and hiking throughout the American West.
Survivors include Kim, sons Erik (Tammy) and Jared (Debra), grandchildren Morgan, Rory, and Athen, siblings David Young (Alma), Jane Seim (Mark), Elaine McCullough (Larry), and Marty McCann (Charlie), and eleven nieces and nephews. All of us, and Kim’s family also, loved him dearly.
The family extends its appreciation to Bridge Haven Memory Care staff for their loving care of Ron.
A celebration of Ron’s life is planned for this coming spring in Kingman. Friends and family will be advised of the date and time.
I’m saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. He was an awesome guy. He was the best boss ever at the Department of Human Services. Some of my family lived in various parts of Kansas. My Grandmother was buried in a family plot in Conway Springs KS. When he would visit Kingman, he would return to work and jokingly tell me that my grandmother was still there in Conway Springs. Please let me know of final services.
I’m so very happy to have known and loved Ron. He was a great human being! He taught me many things by being a person who lived his talk and by not firing me when I gave him a couple good opportunties to do so! 🙂
Ron Young, was the best boss I have known. Ron always had a smile on his face when I walked in the office. We were like family in the Office of Staff Development. Noone could every replace him. Tears are in my eyes at this moment. A friend to many friends. Ron left footprints upon many friends.
May you rest in peace knowing you have made your surroundings a better place.
Ron was the best boss ever. I learned so much from him when I worked in Staff Development. He had a wry sense of humor I loved. If you wanted a good workout just go walking with him! I’m so sad to know he is no longer in this world.
Ron was an amazing guy. I enjoyed working with him. Sorry to hear of his passing.
I enjouyed working with Ron he was a kind man. He was a great boss fair to everyone. I learned so much from him working at Stsff Development.
I took Ron’s Introduction to Political Science course at Harding College in Searcy. It opened a whole new world for me in terms of appreciation for democracy and humanistic political values. Ron’s sacrificed his career there in many ways including by serving as a faculty sponsor of an anti-war student group. Later I worked with Ron during our long careers at Arkansas Department of Human Services. Ron and his brother, David, have provided me with lasting inspiration and I’ll always remember them both with gratitude.
Ron was a very nice and talented man. I am saddened to know he is no longer walking this earth with us. He was also a great cook and very level headed. He could help you with any issues making you feel comfortable while doing so. He will be missed by many people. Rest in peace Ron until we meet again. 🙏🏻