Jerry Arthur Young

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend, Jerry Arthur Young, age 83, passed away surrounded by his family, Saturday, May 6, 2023. He was born September 1, 1939, to Alvin Howard Young and Goldie Mae Young in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Jerry’s family moved many times in search of a climate that would relieve his severe asthma. His childhood was filled with fond memories of playing with his sister and friend, Mary. The family moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1952. Jerry was able to gain strength, health and a love for singing. He had the voice of an angel which was recognized from a very young age. In his senior year of high school after taking every math class his high school offered, a guidance counselor encouraged him to use a full-ride music scholarship to pay for college while completing a degree in engineering. Jerry immediately knew this was the path that would best support his future family.

In the 8th grade he started working at an auction house, loading and unloading items for sale, along with other physical duties. He learned to be a good, hard worker and found joy in doing his tasks well. In high school Jerry was offered a job singing every Sunday at Saint Phillips Episcopal church. In college he worked a second job as a cameraman at night for the local KVOA television news station. He continued these two jobs through college. While attending the University of Arizona, Jerry met and married the love of his life, Karen Fae Eagar. She found his humor a little corny, but fell in love with him anyway.

Jerry was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while attending U of A and spent a lifetime improving himself and devoting himself to Jesus Christ. He loved his Heavenly Father and pursued various opportunities to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through word and music. His heart was set on providing, protecting, nurturing and cheering for the big and small successes of his family.

The summer after he graduated from University of Arizona he was hired by SRP and he worked as an Operational Electrical Engineer until his retirement in 1994. He worked hard, but he knew how to play hard too. With Jerry’s sense of humor—both inside and outside of work—those that knew him loved his fun nature and strong mind.

During his career he had various leadership roles. Among them were creating a manual and training personnel at the Page and St Johns power plants. He worked hard to become a registered Professional Engineer in Control Systems and eventually became an independent Senior Principal Engineer in Operations.

Jerry continued to use his musical talents throughout his life by singing in the Arizona Mormon Choir among many other musical groups and performances. He also served as president of the choir for 9 years. Jerry loved riding his bicycle. He rode his bike for decades as his primary mode of transportation back and forth to SRP. On his birthdays he often celebrated his birthday by riding to Tucson one day and riding back the next day.

After Jerry took an early retirement in 1994 he and Karen were able to serve an 18-month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Portugal. After Portugal they served a two-year mission at the Mesa LDS Employment Center. He served with joy and touched countless lives.

Jerry is survived by his wife Karen, children, Dean (Carol) Young, Sydney (Bob) Kanaga, Laurel (Ron) Johnson, Heather (Jeff) Cook, grandchildren, Jason (Stephanie) Thomas, Jeni Seymore, Justin (Lindsay) Thomas, Jessica (Jeremy) Ecton, Jordan Young, Jazmyn (Anthony) Millett, Jadyn Young, Jamyn Young, Devlyn (Randy) Day, Dallin (Kaylynn) Kanaga, Tanner (Bailee) Kanga, Amber (Darren) Hall, Tyler Johnson, Michael Gardner, Aubrey (John) Stowe, Ashley (Eric) Mickelson, Heather (Braiden) McCaleb, Blake (Sami) Cook, Brooklyn (North) Olson and 21 great-grandchildren with two more on the way. He also is survived by nieces and nephews whom he loved like his own children.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Mary, in-laws, Art and Claricia Eagar, brother-in-law, Arthur Eagar, grandson, Jared Thomas and great-grandson, Sterling Kanaga.

Funeral services for Jerry will be held Friday, May 12, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Mesa North Stake Center, 933 E Brown Road, Mesa, Arizona 85203, with visitation one hour prior. He will be laid to rest Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Eagar Cemetery in Eagar, Arizona.

Jerry will be greatly missed, but we know with his passing there is a joyful reunion in heaven.

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