William Harvey Younger Sr.

William Harvey Younger Sr. was born on March 12th, 1925 in Appleton, Wisconsin. Graduating from Purdue University in Electrical Engineering, and from Indiana University with an MBA, he married Lawrence University Homecoming Queen, Phyllis (“Phissy”) Leverenz in 1948. Corporate advancement moved the couple and their two children, Bill Jr. and Sherry, through Cleveland and Detroit before settling them back in the Dairy State where they enjoyed lakeside breezes and brat fries in Fox Point and Elkhart Lake. Bill Sr.’s wit, warmth and wisdom, entertained, inspired and encouraged an ever-larger circle of friends and family. His life was marked by faith in his Savior Jesus Christ, love for his family and service to his country and community. An outstanding tennis player in high school and the first of three generations of Eagle Scouts, he enlisted in the Marine Corps during WWII and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant after graduating from Purdue. Bill spent his career at Square D and Allen Bradley (now Rockwell Automation) where he became Vice President of Sales, International, and Special Products. He enjoyed recruiting and developing engineering graduates to A-B, many of whom went on to successful careers of their own. In 1980 he left the bustle of large enterprises to found his own consultancy, WH Younger and Associates, which gave him additional free time for travel, public speaking, lay ministry, his 6 grandchildren and caring for his beloved Phissy with whom he would have been married 70 years this April. She predeceased Bill in April 2016 after living with multiple sclerosis for most of those 70 years. Bill was selected as a Distinguished Eagle Scout in 1981 joining an elite group of only 2300 who have been so recognized in the last 50 years including a number of US Presidents, Lunar Astronauts and Congressional Medal of Honor winners. It was in the early 80’s that he and Phyllis began to spend more of the year in Naples warmth, first at Windsor Court on Golf Shore Boulevard North, and then at Bentley Village in 2002. Bill started the Bentley Men’s Bible Study over ten years ago, which was a great honor and blessing for him. Bill will be missed. The impact he had on people and God’s Kingdom overall was great. It’s exciting to think of how God will work to expand his legacy through his and Phissy’s 17 (and counting) great grandchildren. His faith, servant’s heart and generosity continued to bless others in his later years through philanthropic works supporting endeavors, causes and charities including Lakeland University (Sheboygan, WI), Habitat for Humanity (Collier County), the Multiple Sclerosis Society and the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs. In lieu of flowers, please consider gifts to one of these organizations. A memorial service will be held Sunday, May 20, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at the Bentley Village Care Center in Naples, FL. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.

William Harvey Younger Sr.

March 12, 1925 - May 7, 2018