Dr. Larry “Doc” Young, O.D., 91, died Oct. 22, 2026, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. He was born April 7, 1935, in Hutchinson, to Dr. A.L. Young, Sr., and Nina Marceline (Broughton) Lowry.
Larry graduated from Buhler High School in 1953; he enlisted in the United State Navy directly following his graduation. He served in the Korean War as a naval aviator. He was very proud to be part of the 78th Kansas Honor Flight.
After his time in the service, Larry graduated from Southern College of Optometry, Memphis, in 1960. He worked as an optometrist for over 50 years at McCormick O.D., Mogul O.D. and Young O.D., Hutchinson, (currently Eye Care Associates). Larry loved serving the Hutchinson area, as well as had a satellite clinic in Sterling for over 20 years, where he had many loyal clients. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1361 and American Legion Lysle Rischel Post 68. Larry was a member of the American Optometric Association and was a member of the Kansas Optometric Association, serving as a past president. He was a Junior Chamber of Commerce board member for Hutchinson for many years, as well as being involved in the Jay-Cees, Highlands Board, and Mental Health Association, Hutchinson. Larry enjoyed hunting, especially going to Oberlin on the opening week for pheasant season, fishing, golfing and occasional scotch. Most of all, Larry cherished his family and friends, his Lord and Savior, and his country. He was a faithful member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Lyons, and Grace Episcopal Church, Hutchinson.
On Sept. 21, 1991, Larry married H. Katherine “Kathy” Ford in Hutchinson.
Larry was close with and loved by many of his friends and family members; he is survived by his wife of over 35 years, Kathy Young of Hutchinson; children, Brad (Shauna Schmitz) Young of Denver, Colo., Dr. Mark (Deanna Willm) Young of Omaha, Neb., Kristi Young of Wichita, their surviving mother, Jeanette Salantino, Tamra (Don) Langford of Plevna, Aaron (Liz) Campbell of Omaha, Neb.; grandchildren, Nina, Nash, Déjà, Lindsey, Zachary, Dalton, Reece, Mekenzie, Max; 10 great-grandchildren; nieces, Kay Bott of Hutchinson, Carol Sperling of Salina; and nephew, Joe (Susan) Gonzales of Hutchinson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Hays Lowery; brother, Robert “Bob” Kruger; and a grandson, William.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at Grace Episcopal Church, 2 Hyde Park, Hutchinson. Military honors will be conducted by the United State Navy Honor Guard. Cremation will take place following the service, and burial will occur at the Grace Episcopal Church Columbarium, Hutchinson, at a later date. Friends may call 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at Elliott Mortuary. Visitation with the family present will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at Grace Episcopal Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or American Legion Lysle Rischel Post 68, Hutchinson, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS, 67501.