Garry Wayne Young

Garry Wayne Young, 78, of Madison, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Garry was born to parents Ray and Georgia Young on May 31, 1947, in Mexico, Missouri.

Garry proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1964 to 1967 attaining rank of Sergeant E5 and receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Medal, Aircraft Crewman’s Badge, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Parachutists Badge, and a Purple Heart. One thing he was especially proud of was finishing first in the physical fitness portion of basic training. For him, it wasn’t just about strength or speed. It was about discipline, determination, and a refusal to quit. Those were qualities he carried with him throughout his life.

After his service, Garry started his profession of concrete finishing. A highlight of his career included helping to build the Clarence Cannon Dam, roadways, and bridges surrounding the Mark Twain Lake area. Garry eventually had his own concrete business where his brothers worked alongside him for several years. Garry was also a skilled meatcutter, another trade he shared with some of his brothers. Garry would finish his workday with a few ice-cold beers, often with friends where they would attempt to solve the world’s problems or perhaps create a few problems just to make life a little more exciting.

Garry married Judy Daniel on November 22, 1974. They lived in Rush Hill, Missouri before moving to Paris. After several years raising their family in Paris, they moved to Madison where they raised cattle and enjoyed horses. Garry was known for raising gamecocks throughout his life. Gamecocks symbolize bravery and resilience with a spirit of aggressive temperament, physical prowess, strength, and agility. All traits that defined Garry.

Garry was a man of routine. He would begin his day before dawn with coffee and make his daily to-do list before heading outdoors to tend to his animals. He enjoyed growing a sizeable garden where his wife, Judy, worked alongside him sharing their yields with family, friends and neighbors. He spent countless hours in his butcher shop where he taught his children and grandchildren to cut meat. In his later years, his butcher shop was his sanctuary where he would end his day then retreat to the house where his beloved wife, Judy faithfully had his supper ready. His children, grandchildren, and friends would often join him to share a few beers and reminisce about the past. Garry found purpose in sharing his wisdom with his family and friends. Other hobbies included fishing, hunting, and shuffleboard games. He rarely missed a shuffleboard tournament at the local bar. The same discipline, determination, competitiveness, and refusal to quit was demonstrated, earning him several first-place titles.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Judy Young (Daniel), of Madison; two children, Yancy (Julie) Young of Columbia, and Yvette (Aaron) Wandrey of Madison; grandchildren, Jacob (Ashlynn) Wandrey, Tyler (Madison) Wandrey, Collin Young, and Layla Young; great grandchildren, Valyrie Morrison, Harper Morrison, and Wilson Wandrey; three brothers, Bill (Donna) Young, Bob Young, Mike Young; two sisters, Marsha Young, and Pam Young. 

He is preceded in death by his father, Ray Young, mother, Georgia Young (Frank), brother, Larry Young, brother, Ronald Young, and brother, Terry Young.

Garry’s legacy and traits of loyalty, selfless service, sense of duty, respect, work ethic, endurance, determination, honor and integrity, and iron will be remembered and cherished by his family and friends.

Funeral services with full military honors will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, Jacksonville, MO.