Jay Bruce Young, 99, North Manchester, Indiana, passed away October 4, 2021 at Timbercrest Healthcare Center in North Manchester. The youngest of three children, Bruce was born in Wabash County, Indiana on December 13, 1921 to the late Samuel L. and Mary Cathrine (Baker) Young.
After graduating from Laketon High School in 1939, Bruce attended Manchester College, where he took accounting classes, played golf and basketball, and ran track and cross country. However, Bruce spent most of his time in the library, where he met his future wife, Joan Neff, who was obtaining her degree in Library Science. They were wed at the New Paris Church of the Brethren on July 20, 1946.
During the early part of their marriage, Bruce and Joan lived with his parents on their farm west of North Manchester while the couple’s own home was being built near the farmhouse. They lived in that same home until they moved to Timbercrest in November 2004. Bruce supported his family by working as a professional painter and farmer for fifty-five years. Sadly, Bruce’s life changed forever when he lost his wife of sixty-seven years on November 14, 2013.
Bruce and Joan were youth counselors for the South-Central Indiana Church of the Brethren District and Region. They had a true passion for helping others. In 1954 they took a year off from the farm and were house parents for the BVS unit in Fresno, California. Bruce and Joan were members of the Eel River Community Church of the Brethren in Silver Lake. Bruce was also a former member of the Organic Crop Improvement Association and volunteered much of his time at Timbercrest’s garden growing tomatoes, green beans, corn, unusual gourds, and other unique vegetables.
The loving memory of Jay Bruce Young will be forever cherished by his nieces, Donna (Young) Sorensen, Melody (Rife) Reeves; nephews, Ronald Rife, Allan Rife, and Randall Rife. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Mary Young; wife, Joan E. Young; twin siblings, Lester A. Young and Esther Mae Rife.
At the wishes of Bruce, no services will be held. Instead, think of ways Bruce influenced your life and how you can do the same for others.
The family of Jay Bruce Young has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
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