Ralph Eugene Younger, D.D.S. of Warrensburg, MO passed away peacefully, with his family at his side, on May 19th, 2025 at Western Missouri Medical Center (WMMC). A visitation will be held from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday, May 22nd at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home in Warrensburg. A private burial will be held at a later date.

Dr. Younger was born in St. Louis, MO on February 13th, 1941 to Hazel Marie and James Clarence Younger. He attended Center Elementary School and Center Senior High School in Kansas City, MO. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1963 and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1967, both from the University of Missouri - Kansas City.

From 1967 to 1970 he served as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Public Health Service assigned to the United States Coast Guard and also as Federal Dental Consultant for U.S. Regions V and VI. He was a member of the Commissioned Officers' Association of the USPHS for over 40 years and a member of the local American Legion for over 29 years.

Dr. Younger had a Family Dental Practice in Warrensburg from 1970 to 2009 during which time he also served on staff at WMMC for over 30 years. He was a life member of the American Dental Association (ADA), Missouri Dental Association (MDA), and the Greater Kansas City Dental Society (GKCDS). He served many years as a delegate or alternate to the ADA and MDA. He was a member of the Board of Directors and became President of the GKCDS in 1993. Although his initial undergraduate major was electrical engineering, he was meant to pursue a career in the field of dentistry. Dr. Younger loved and excelled at his profession, and enjoyed his many years of practice, his many fine patients, and his excellent staff. He retired in November 2009.

Dr. Younger was united in marriage to Lynda Lou Foster on December 27th, 1962 at the Wornall Road Baptist Church in Kansas City. In 1970 the city of Warrensburg was in need of a dentist and the family relocated to Warrensburg where they lived and reared two sons, John Grafton and James Stanton Younger.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Lynda, of 62 years; son John Grafton Younger and wife Sharlene Day of Bala Cynwyd, PA; son James Stanton Younger and wife Anneke Schroen of Charlottesville, VA; and four precious grandchildren (to whom he will always be Grampa Ralph): Hendrik, Hinke, Carson and Chris. He also leaves two brothers, Sam Younger, and Dennis Younger and wife Margaret; several nephews, nieces, cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister-in-law, Ann Younger.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dr. Ralph & Lynda Younger Scholarship at the UMKC School of Dentistry. Checks can be made payable to the Rinehart Foundation and sent to: 650 E. 25th Street, Kansas City, MO 64108. Donations can be also made over the phone by calling (816) 235-2021.