Gene Young

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Wesley Eugene Young, “Papa Gene”, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away in Springfield, MO on May 1, 2025, after a brief illness. Born on February 15, 1943, in Stella, Missouri, Gene was the only child of John Wesley and Violet (Kipps) Young. At the age of three, the family moved to Neosho, the town that would become Gene’s lifelong home.

As a teenager, Gene could often be found cruising the Neosho square, a pastime that led him to meet the love of his life, Mitsie, in 1962. The couple married on June 27, 1964, at First Christian Church in Neosho, and went on to share nearly 61 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and family. Together, they raised three children and built a life rooted in commitment, hard work, and community.

A graduate of Neosho High School, Gene went on to serve in the National Guard. He then attended barber school in Kansas City and after completion joined his father at his barber shop on N. Lincoln St for 10 years, and then owned and operated Barber Shop Neosho for another 20 years off the east side of the Neosho Square, where he became known for his signature high and tight crew cuts.

Realizing the need to better support his children’s education, Gene transitioned into the insurance industry. He founded Young Insurance, eventually acquiring The Insurance Store, and ran the business with integrity and compassion until his retirement in 2014. He also served the community as a bail bondsman, often extending a helping hand to those who had nowhere else to turn.

Gene was a man of many talents and hobbies. He loved the outdoors – mowing both his own yard and the church lawn, where he often said he felt closest to God. He enjoyed quail hunting with his father and two sons, and several different beloved Brittany Spaniel bird dogs. Gene enjoyed fishing, particularly for crappie and catfish on Grand Lake, and made jigs with his mother to share in their mutual love for the sport. He was also a skilled wood worker, creating handcrafted gifts for his family – cradles, rocking horses, quilt racks, bookshelves, and many other treasures that are now heirlooms passed down to the next generation.

Gene was deeply involved in his family’s lives, coaching his children’s sports teams, traveling to see his grandchildren’s events, and continuing to offer haircuts to all the boys, and occasionally the girls, in the old barber chair he kept in the basement. In later years, he and Mitsie found joy and community with their friends at the House of Donuts as members of “The Donut Crew”.

Gene was a faithful member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for over 60 years, serving in many different capacities, including elder.

Gene is survived by his beloved wife, Mitsie; their children: Kerry (Kyle) Catron of Carthage, Missouri; Mark (Sarah) Young of Springfield, Missouri; Chad (Stephanie) Young of Springfield, Missouri; grandchildren: Courtney (Trevor) Sill, Derrick (Kirsten) Catron, Hillary Young, Jake (Anika) Young, Gracie Young, Chloe (Christian) Doneski, and Sophie Young; and great-grandchildren: Keller Sill, Maclin Sill, Maris Catron, Whitt Catron, and RJ Doneski.







He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Violet Young, and Mitsie’s parents, Floyd and Bernice Wolfe.

Gene’s life was a testament to faith, family, and quiet generosity. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, gentle heart, and the legacy of love he leaves behind.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 10:00am at First Christian Church in Neosho, Missouri. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall, following the memorial service.

Contributions in memory of Gene may be made to the First Christian Church Memorial Fund and/or Camp Barnabas c/o Clark Funeral Home PO Box 66 Neosho, Missouri 64850.