Andrew Young Obituary

Andrew Robert Young, 88, of Decatur passed away on February 20, 2024. He was born December 25, 1935, in Akron, OH, to Scottish immigrants George and Sally Young.

Andy grew up in Akron. He married the love of his life, Esther Johnson, in 1954 after meeting at the YMCA. Andy started working for Firestone as a mail boy. Firestone sent him to school to become a computer programmer. Esther and Andy started their family in Ohio where their first four children were born. In 1966, Andy was transferred to the Decatur Firestone plant. The family moved to Decatur in July and the last child was born just a few days later. Andy played in the Firestone bowling and golf leagues. He retired early from Firestone in 1998 after 44 years with the company. In their retirement years, Esther and Andy enjoyed traveling on both domestic and foreign trips. Andy was a member of Golden K Kiwanis and served as treasurer for several years.

Andy enjoyed his children and grandchildren. He and two sons were part of the Indian Guides, a father-son development program through the YMCA. Andy was present at numerous family activities, including attending sporting events, concerts, and show choir events. One of his favorite times was decorating and celebrating the holidays with the family. Summer vacations were often spent going back to Ohio to visit family. Andy often celebrated his Scottish roots with a "wee dram" of Scotch whisky.

Andy is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Esther Young; sons, Dan (Barb) Young, Tom (Cheryl) Young, Jim (Tina) Young and Mark Young; daughter, Karen (Ed) Woare; grandchildren, Brandy (Ed) Piotrowski, Rachel Young, Dr. Teresa Young (Dr. Richard Laurent), Amy (Brian) Fitzgerald, Alyssa (Tyler) Broom, August Young, Taylor Young, Nick Young, Gabbi Young, Jennifer Woare (Anthony Mickle) and Christine Woare; sister, Mary Jo Mountain and her family; great-grandchildren, Matthew, Kane, Ella, Haddie, and two on the way; step-grandchildren, Frank (Megan) Byers and Barrett Byers (Lucy); step-great grandchildren Chloe and Channing; numerous nieces and nephews; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law .

Andy was preceded in death by his parents, his aunt Mary McDowall, his brother, Bill Young, and step-granddaughter, Keisha Young Rowe.

A visitation will be held on Saturday February 24, 2024, at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home from 11am to 1pm. A funeral service will follow at 1pm. With entombment rites to follow at Graceland Cemetery.