Gregory Young

Gregory Lawrence Young, 67, of Gosport, IN, passed away on July 26, 2025, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana in Columbus, IN. Born on February 6, 1958, in Blue Island, IL, he was the son of Richard Young and Irene Young (Natonek).

Gregory graduated from Lowell High School in 1976 and was a lifelong lover of learning. Self-taught, Gregory was an accomplished carpenter and mechanic and went on to restore many houses and cars. Outside of these passions, Gregory dedicated over 26 years of his professional life to the Roadway Express trucking company (later Yellow Corporation trucking company) where he faithfully and diligently worked the docks.

Known for his generosity and kindness, Gregory was a loving and patient provider to his family. Though night shifts at Roadway were taxing and demanded much of his strength, he never missed a birthday or Christmas.

Independently, Gregory kept his mind sharp with mechanical quandaries, computer programming guides, algebra and calculus problems, theological medications, gardening, Sudoku puzzles, and strenuous exercise. Always seeking to challenge himself, Gregory was a consistent gym-goer, runner, and weightlifter.

Passionate about bodybuilding in his youth, Gregory continued to lift weights and get stronger as he aged. There was once a year-long span where he dedicated himself to doing a myriad of push-ups each day, adding more every morning. Repeated sets of 200 ensured he had a healthy dose of 1,000 daily push-ups.

Gregory was also an animal-lover, taking in stray cats and tending to Chloe, the family dog, until she passed in 2021. His cat Bob, also known as Roberta, was a persistent if not persnickety companion of over 10 years.

Visibly warm and knowledgeable, Gregory had a kind face and persona that even strangers were drawn to. It's not an exaggeration to say that passersby would pull over in a parking lot to talk to him or chase him down in hardware stores to ask his opinion and advice. This attention always baffled Gregory and at times annoyed him as he was a fan of his solitude, however, personable and friendly, Gregory would always extend a few moments of conversation regardless of his mood. Gregory was also funny and quick-witted with a clean, dry humor that left people guessing and caught them off-guard with a solid laugh. Even during his sickness, Gregory kept a good, jolly spirit about him and gave his aides and nurses chuckles until the end. He was the kind of man to give you a thumbs up, even when he was afraid or in pain, to soothe any worry.

Gregory is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Smith, of Columbus, IN; the mother of his child, Rebecca Smith, of Bloomington, IN; his siblings Richard Young (wife Nona) of Tennessee, Debra Magana (husband Randy Howard) of Washington, Alfred Young of North Carolina, Catherine Del Nobile (husband George) of New Mexico, Dawn Robel (husband Jeff) of Colorado, Christine Montgomery (husband James) of New Mexico, Dr. Valerie Adrian (husband Peter) of Washington; and Rebecca Smith's eldest children, Joseph Smith (wife Brittney) and Elvy Smith.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Young, his mother, Irene Young (Natonek), and his brother Charles Young.

Gregory lived an admirable and honest life. His kind eyes, warm smile, and quick intellect are all remembered well by his daughter, his friends, and all those strangers who sought him out for a moment of connection. Gregory was and is the kind of light that cannot be put out with time. May the Lord receive him gladly and may God rest his soul.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM at First Christian Church of Columbus in Columbus, IN. Family and friends may pay their respects from 4:00 PM until the service.