Young, Dr. Thomas J. 1937-2025 Leawood, Kan.

LEAWOOD, Kan. – Dr. Thomas James Young, 88, of Leawood, Kansas, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away on Dec. 5, 2025, surrounded by his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lena Young; brothers, Robert and John Young; son, Seth Andrew Young; and his wife of 61 years, Mary Jean Young.

He is survived by son, Paul S. Young (Mary), of Minneapolis, Minnesota; daughter, Dr. Rachel E. Runde (Eric), of Kansas City, Missouri; and grandchildren, Oscar and Ingrid Young; as well as multiple loving nieces and nephews and his beloved cat, Luna.

Thomas was born in Inglewood, California, on May 11, 1937. He graduated from Raytown High School in 1955 and then served in the United States Army from 1957-1959, during which time he was stationed in Berlin, Germany, as a member of the Army band. He attended the Junior College of Kansas City and graduated from the University of Missouri (Columbia) Medical School in 1967. He completed internship and Ophthalmology residency at the University of Missouri Kansas City. He practiced Ophthalmology, in Kansas City, Missouri, and Pullman, Washington, before coming to St. Joseph where he practiced from 1974 until his retirement in December 1999.

Following retirement, Thomas and Mary relocated to Fort Collins, Colorado, in 2004 and then to Leawood in 2010. In his retirement, he pursued his dream of being a musician by joining a number of jazz bands including the Kicks Band, For Musicians Only, and the Moon City Big Band, which brought him great joy.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations are made in Thomas’ s name to the KC Pet Project, 7077 Elmwood Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64132.

A visitation will be held at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Rd, Kansas City, MO 64145 from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, with a celebration of life to follow in spring 2026. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.