John "Brad" Young, Jr.

John Bradley Young, Jr., passed from this life November 21, 2025 after an almost two year struggle with stage 4 lung cancer.

Known as Brad, he was born on July 14, 1951, to John Bradley Young, Sr. and Peggy (Thomas) Young in Centerville, IA. He graduated from Centerville High School with the class of 1969. He attended Baylor University, N.E. Missouri State University and the University of Iowa. He had many interests that included art and music and during his time in Iowa City, and co-owned a unique plant and antiques business called Plantiques. He also worked as a concert promoter before returning to Centerville in the mid-1980’s working in the family-owned banking business. Brad shared a love for the game of golf with his dad; it grew into a passion he continued to cultivate throughout his life, developing many good friends on the course.

Brad’s best life began when he got sober (1993), and when he met (1997) and married Christi (2001). Brad achieved 32 years of continuous sobriety, which was a fulfilling, life-changing journey where he became a dedicated leader and trusted mentor to many. He always had a listening ear, thoughtful, supportive, realistic words and compassion for those struggling with life’s challenges. Many benefitted knowing Brad and are sober because of him. Brad loved to golf, eat good hamburgers, and buy cars. Brad had his own appraisal business for many years and was always able to laugh at himself and his humanness. After a few years of marriage to Christi, he became proficient at “hugging”.

Brad is held in loving memory by his wife of 29 years, Christi, West Des Moines; his daughter, Katie (fiancé Tanner) and his grandsons, Jaxon and Kai, Ankeny; his brother, Jeff (Ann) Young, Centerville and nephews, Tyler (Andrea) Young, Nashville, TN, and Nicholas Young, Overland Park, KS; Aunt Marilyn Adams, Glenview, IL, Uncle Ben Thomas, Avon, CT; and cousins, Ross and David Adams and families. He is remembered with love as well by his mother-in-law, Donna Reed (Granbury, Tx), brothers and sisters-in-law, Steve Lamer and Cindy Reed (Solon, IA), and Chuck (Amanda) Reed (Granbury, Tx); and nephew TJ Shea (Cedar Rapids, IA).

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, John and Frances Young; maternal grandparents, Ben and Dorothy Thomas; and his parents, Brad and Peggy Young.

The family wishes to thank Every Step Hospice, Dr. Knoblauch, and Dr Hughes, for their compassionate care and Dr. Steve Lamer for never giving up.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 8, 2025 at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines with visitation one -hour prior from 10-11 a.m. The service will be livestreamed click here.

Memorial contributions in honor of Brad may be made to AA of Des Moines, Central Office, 1620 Pleasant Street STE 228, Des Moines, IA, 50314.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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