Paul Emmett Young passed away peacefully in his Spearfish home on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at the age of 69.
Paul was born to Donald and Darleen Young on January 2, 1956 in Deadwood, South Dakota. He attended public school in Spearfish, graduating from high school in 1974 where he was active in sports and in music, both of which remained important to him throughout his life. Paul attended Black Hills State College, graduating in 1978. He remained actively involved in the university community for well over 40 years.
Paul met his wife, Kathy in high school, and they married in 1982. They had three children: Ryan (Erika) Young of Spearfish, Andy (Meagan) Young of Denver, and Katie (Josh) Richter Young of Rapid City. He took great joy in being a father and, ultimately, a grandfather to Tayler, Madden, Palmer, Henley, Hudson, and Emmett.
Paul held several significant positions throughout his work life. He served as the Strength & Conditioning Coach for the BHSU athletic teams at the Donald E. Young Center, as well as teaching classes there. His passion for learning, reading, teaching, coaching, and guiding students highlighted his dedication to education and mentorship.
He later served as the Human Resources Director for Prairie Hills Transit and–significantly–he played a vital role in local government as a member of the Spearfish City Council from 1996 to 2016. His long commitment to public service was recognized in 2013 when he was elected president of the South Dakota Municipal League. Paul’s unwavering dedication to his community and to public service made him a respected and influential figure in Spearfish and throughout the State of South Dakota.
Paul maintained a life-long passion for musical performance. He cherished any opportunity to play drums and to sing, especially in The Lyle Berry Band, which became well known throughout the Black Hills region. Beyond local performances, one of his most treasured musical memories was a trip to the then-Soviet Union and Poland with the BH Wind Ensemble in 1977.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Darleen Young; his brother-in-law, Mike Furois; and his father-in-law, Ed Furois. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; their children, Ryan (Erika) Young of Spearfish, Andy (Meagan) Young of Denver, Katie (Josh) Richter Young of Rapid City; their grandchildren, Tayler, Madden, Palmer, Henley, Hudson, and Emmett, his sisters Pam Baum and Priscilla Romkema and brother Peter Young, and wonderful in-laws and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation and sharing of memories will be Tuesday, April 29th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. A Vigil service to follow. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, April 30th at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund will be established, in memory of Paul Young
