Kelly Younger

Edwin “Kelly” Younger, Jr, a native and lifelong resident of Houston, Texas, passed away on June 27,2022 at the age of 70. He was the beloved husband of Linda Aillet Younger and was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin Kelly Younger, Sr. and Pauline DiIorio Younger. He is survived by his daughter, Jessica Younger Field and her husband, Ted Field, his son, Michael Charles Younger, and his granddaughter, Molly Charlotte Field. Kelly was a dedicated son, brilliant guitarist, devoted husband, father and grandfather and an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. He was a practical joker with a heart of gold who was always looking for a way to help others less fortunate. Depending on when you met him, he had many different personalities that blended into one very special person. He gave his all to those who were fortunate enough to be in his circle of friends. Kelly was born on October 24, 1951. He was adopted at birth and loved unconditionally by his mother, Polly. He, in turn, loved her with his entire heart and soul and refused to pursue finding his biological parents. He felt “chosen” by her and chose her as his only mother in return. He was grateful to her for sacrificing to send him to St. Anne’s Elementary and St. Thomas High School. Once he was out on his own, he did not regularly attend church services and often said that “God makes me nervous when they get Him inside”. He was spiritually aware and did believe in a Higher Power and lived his life accordingly. Kelly found music as an inspiration in high school and went on to be the guitarist of hometown/global legends, Really Red, a Houston punk rock band in the late 70s. Calling Kelly “merely a guitarist” hardly does him justice. His playing was so original, so jarring, so special. He sounded like no one else. Being able to listen to his guitar on records and watch him do his best Pete Townsend jumps on Really Red videos is something that he left behind for those who were not fortunate enough to see/hear him perform live. Fly high Kelly. Kelly was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. Family was by far one of the most important things in his life. Nothing brought him greater joy than being able to spend time with Linda, Jessica, Michael and Molly. He proudly attended and cheered his kids on at school activities and was the proudest of all watching them graduate from high school and college. He especially loved his role as Aggie Dad and being part of the excitement at Kyle Field during football games and watching the Fighting Texas Aggie Band march. He loved spending time with his granddaughter Molly, who brought light into his eyes, and unconditional love into his heart. Kelly had been battling dementia since November, 2018. By January, 2022, it was necessary to place him in memory care. It is a blessing that it progressed quickly so that he did not have to live that way for years. During the latter part of his illness Kelly was able to connect with strangers and tell his stories, often repeating them multiple times. His impact on the residents, their families and the staff who cared for him in the memory care unit was very special. Molly summed it up best. She cried when her GRANDpa passed away, but she said she was glad he’s not in pain and confused anymore. A Celebration of Kelly’s Life will be held on Sunday, August 28, 2022 at 5:00 PM at the Unitarian Fellowship Hall on 1404 Wirt Rd, Houston, Texas. For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom link is available. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88295635809?pwd=TER6RHI1UFlqZC94VEVhbUFDMXpuZz09 Meeting ID: 882 9563 5809 Passcode: 680663 In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy making a donation to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Team waling in his memory this year https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Walk2022/TX-HoustonampSoutheastTexas?px=10189420&pg=personal&fr_id=15899&fbclid=IwAR3VlLb5qjqMYTKhww11P79yvactIRuzCEMuyoZHK2hCzCg7_wNVPghS0ks or to the Gayle Wells Foundation for Early Onset Alzheimer’s & Care https://gaylewells.networkforgood.com/

Kelly Younger

October 24, 1951 - June 27, 2022