05/19/2017
Jason Younger here. We have been slow to post here that Ervin Younger “Erv”, 87, of Tribune, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 29th, 2017 at Greeley County Hospital.
Before his retirement, he was the Owner/Manager of the John Deere Dealership in Tribune, Kansas, for 45 years. He was also a True Value Hardware Dealer. After retirement, Erv and Ramona moved to Salina, Kansas.
I know many past employees have followed this page. I thank you for connecting with some of the memories we have shared.
The Younger kids were almost daily fixtures around the store and we were sure blessed to be raised in such a great family business environment. For many of us Tribunites, AESI was our first job, a part-time job, or full-time career for years. Over the past few years, knowing that grandpa's memory was fading, I had many great conversations with him about Smith Implement. I wanted to share a few of those things with you.
First, I want you to know how much he enjoyed and cared about everyone who ever worked for him! He believed you hire good people, trust them and listen to them. Many of you were like family. He spoke of you often and fondly.
He cared greatly about the farmers of Greeley County. Growing up in the "Dirty Thirties" he always knew what it meant to struggle to make it. He understood putting a seed in the ground and praying for a good outcome. He also understood you do whatever it takes to make it. Greeley County farmers have always had to be hardy and creative. He did his best to help you make a go of it.
He cared greatly about the community. He did his best to donate and volunteer where he could. A die hard Jackrabbit fan, he followed every team, every year in the Greeley County Republican. Speaking fondly of his days at GCHS and coach Carter.
Coach Carter was a big influence in his life, but one man would change his life in a big way. That man was Ab Smith.
AE Smith was a mentor to say the least. Ab Smith once said of his life "I had no idea it would turn out like this." I think Erv would echo those same words. Born in dirt poor conditions, he would tell the story of walking to school past the home of Ab Smith just in awe of the beautiful spanish style home on the corner of Lawrence and Plumb. He would shout to Ab "If you ever want to sell it, give me first crack at it!" Well I don't know what it was, but Ab must have admired the s***k in that young boy. As Erv worked hard in school and proved to be a smart young man with drive and talent, Ab sn**ched him up and hired him right out of school. He received a top notch business education from one of the most successful business men in Greeley County.
In what today would be considered something like an ESOP, Erv eventually would have the opportunity to take the reins. Ab also made Erv's dream of owning that spanish style home a reality as well.
Yes, he worked hard. Yes, he was sharp. I think if he were here, he would give Ab all the credit for giving him an opportunity.
So on his behalf, I want to personally thank the Smith family. Your patriarch's influence on our grandfather impacted him greatly. Thus, both of our families are indebted to Ab Smith.
Tribune is and has always been a WONDERFUL community that has been so good to our family. Thank you.
Take a page from Ab Smith and let's sn**ch up the best and brightest Greeley County has to offer and create opportunities for future growth and success.
