Larry C. Youse, 89, of Kutztown, died peacefully Thursday, October 24, 2024, in Tower Health - Reading Hospital, West Reading. He was the widower of Shirley M. (Manmiller) Youse, who died March 20, 2022. They were married 67 years at the time of Shirley's passing. Born in Kutztown, Larry was a son of the late Lawrence E. and Grace M. (Stufflet) Youse.
Larry honorably and faithfully served our country as a veteran of the United States Army, serving as an MP, stationed at Sandia Base, a top-secret US Department of Defense nuclear weapons installation, located in Albuquerque, NM.
Larry was a graduate of Kutztown Area High School Class of 1953, where he played basketball and baseball. He continued his education at Kutztown State Teacher's College, now Kutztown University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences and a Master's Degree in Secondary Education.
'Mr. Youse' was a beloved educator, coach, mentor and friend to students of the Brandywine Heights Area School District from 1963 until his retirement in 1997. He taught a variety of social science courses including, psychology, sociology, criminal justice, government, and world cultures. Larry coached basketball, baseball and soccer during his career. He was named coach of the year in 1969, and the year book was dedicated in his honor numerous times. In the beginning of his career, he was the summer playground director for a number of years.
Larry's teaching and coaching not only taught the subject matter or required skill of the game, but the lessons and skills necessary to navigate life as an adult in an ever-changing society. He cared deeply about about his students and stayed connected to many of them, long after they graduated from Brandywine.
Larry had a love for the game of baseball, which led him to play on several softball leagues following his high school graduation, coach at Brandywine, and also coached Kutztown American Legion Baseball for several years. He also coached girls softball at Albright College, Reading. Since a child, he has been a fan of the Athletics ("A's"), formerly of Philadelphia, currently in Oakland, and soon-to-be in Las Vegas.
He also enjoyed the strength and majestic beauty of horses, as a youth he and his friends would often sneak into the fairgrounds in Kutztown to watch the horse races. In his spare time, Larry enjoyed watching televised college sports, attending local high school and college athletic events, and reading. Larry was a member of the East Penn Retired Teacher's Association and Cougar Tale.
Larry is survived by a son, Deron K. Youse, Kutztown; three sisters: Loretta L. (Youse), widow of Paul H. Moser, Breinigsville; Diane M. Youse, Reading; and Sharon K. Youse, Kutztown; brother: Alan J., husband of Julie (Smith) Youse, Salem, Oregon. In addition to his wife, Shirley, Larry was predeceased by a sister Kathryn M. Youse; and a dear friend Cynthia L. Wenrich.
A funeral service to honor and celebrate Larry's life will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. in Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, with The Reverend Arthur L. Hahn, officiating. Interment with Military Honors provided by Ray A. Master Post 217 American Legion Honor Guard in Hope Cemetery, Kutztown. Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. in the funeral home.
Contributions may be considered in Larry's memory to Brandywine Heights Education Foundation (Scholarship), PO Box 82, Topton, PA 19562.
Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and Condolences may be shared at www.ludwickfh.com.