Joseph J. Younger

Joseph J. Younger passed away at his home on Thursday, January 8, 2026, while under the skilled care provided by hospice and his long-time caregiver. He was born on July 16, 1928, to Stephen and Elizabeth Younger in Harmony, Pennsylvania. During his childhood, the family resided in Detroit until the recession prompted a move to New Camp, Kentucky, following the opening of coal mines by the Norfolk and Western Railroad. Joe's first job involved caring for the general manager's house and yard. He completed his high school education in Williamson, West Virginia, graduating in 1946. To save money for college, Joe worked in the coal mines after graduation. He later attended the University of Kentucky from 1948 to 1952, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering. While attending the University of Kentucky, Joe was also a member of the UK Band. In September of 1952, he married Betty Jean Van Meter of Williamson, West Virginia.

Joe's professional career began in the Engineering Department at Continental Conveyor and Equipment Company in Birmingham, Alabama. His career with Continental Conveyor included serving as a District Sales Manager in Knoxville, Tennessee, Huntington, West Virginia, and Regional Sales Manager in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He eventually became Vice President of Mining Sales and relocated to Paintsville, Kentucky, where he helped establish a new plant in nearby Salyersville. Joe also served on the Board of Directors for a local bank while residing in Paintsville, Kentucky. Joe engineered and installed conveyor systems from coast to coast and border to border of the United States. Joe was awarded patents for the design and installation of multi-drive conveyor belt systems. He retired from Continental Conveyor in 1985 and subsequently joined Long-Airdox as Vice-President of Construction, with an office in Lexington, Kentucky. After retiring from Long-Airdox, Joe continued his work in engineering, consulting, and installing conveyor systems as a Representative of FMC (Link-Belt). Joe was a Fellow of the University of Kentucky and a lifelong UK sports fan.

Following his wife's diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in 2004, Joe retired and moved to Nicholasville, Kentucky. Betty survived until January 2017. The couple enjoyed the winter months at their home in Clearwater, Florida, where Joe enjoyed fishing, until Betty was no longer able to travel.

Joe was preceded in death by four brothers: Steve, Gene, Rudy, and George. He is survived by one sister, Betty Stone (Dean) Clinton, Iowa. Joe was a loving father to his three children: Stephanie Melvin (Carl), Joseph Van Younger (Robyn) of Lexington, and Dr. Joan Younger Meek (Paul) of Katy, Texas. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Brandon Kretzer, Angela Kretzer, Kathryn Almar (Mauricio), Rachel Salud (Jonathan), Joseph Meek, Bradley Younger, Courtney Younger, and Joseph Cameron Younger. Additionally, he is survived by seven great-grandchildren: Tyson Belle, Edie Kretzer, Joshua Johnson, Nicholas Almar, Lucas Almar, Alexander Almar, and Lucy Salud.

Joe chose to be cremated and will be laid to rest alongside his wife, Betty, at Bluegrass Memorial Gardens in Nicholasville.

Joe's services will be held on Friday, January 16th at Clark Legacy Center-Brannon Crossing. The visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The memorial service will begin at 12:00 p.m. Attendees are welcome to join the family for a reception at Clark Legacy Center following the memorial service. Clark Legacy Center, 601 East Brannon Road, Nicholasville, Kentucky 40356

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to Bluegrass Care Navigators (https://www.bgcarenav.org/give).