Gerald A. "Jerry" "Coach" Young of Farmington Hills passed away Friday afternoon, April 3, 2020, at age 79.

He was born December 30, 1940, in Highland Park, Michigan, the son of Lawrence and Marie Young.

Beloved husband of Judith A. Young; loving father of Steven "Stretch" G. Young (Lynn) and Nancy E. Young (Ed); loving stepfather of Julie Malewski (Jeffery), Amy Richters (Lars), and Matthew Trunk (Courtney); proud grandfather of Maggie, Kimberlynn, Josh, Brad, Lukas, Maia, Connor, and Christian; caring brother of Karen Young Eley (Steve); loving uncle to several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by sister, Judith A. Bohning and her husband William.

Jerry, always a teacher and promoter of education, had many interests. He was an avid reader who read the Detroit Free Press cover to cover daily and shared a monthly men's book club with his close friends. He was an ardent sports fan who enjoyed golf and loved to attend his grandchildren's athletic activities. Jerry regularly traveled with family and friends, volunteered at a local senior living facility, and recently spent time in a small group Bible study with friends from Ward Church.

Jerry was a history teacher at Farmington High School from 1966 to 1994 and a cross country/track coach from 1966 to 1992. He was a two-time state champion at Berkley High School (1956-57) and a three-time Big Ten champ at Michigan State University—twice in track (two mile) and once in cross country. Jerry was also a member of the MSU team that won the Big Ten cross country title in 1960 and twice earned All-American honors. He was always a great supporter of MSU and considered it an honor to run with so many champions. Jerry was inducted into the Farmington High School Hall of Fame.

Coaching was Jerry's passion. His runners brought him so much joy over the many years, and he cherished the wonderful friendships he made with his athletes and with other coaches.

Memorial donations in his name may be directed to Ward Church, 40000 Six Mile Road, Northville, MI 48168, or to a charity of your choice. Please share memories of Jerry on the Thayer-Rock Funeral Home website.

Memorial Service for Jerry will be held Friday, July 23, 2021 at 11:00 am (gathering 10:00 am) at Ward Church 40000 Six Mile Road, Northville, MI

A Jerry Young Memorial Golf Outing will be held on July 24, 2021 at the Farmington Hills Golf Club. If you are unable to attend, you may make donations to CARES (Community Action Resources Empowerment Services) of Farmington Hills.

Friday, July 23, 2021

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

40000 Six Mile Rd.
Livonia, Michigan 48168

Directions Memorial Service Ward Presbyterian Church

Friday, July 23, 2021

11:00 AM

40000 Six Mile Rd.
Livonia, Michigan 48168

Directions Committal Service Glen Eden Memorial Park

Friday, July 23, 2021

12:30 PM

35667 W. 8 Mile Road
Livonia, MI 48152

Directions