Family, friends honor life of Crete police Chief Gary Young

LINCOLN, Neb. —

Hundreds of family members, friends and law enforcement officers from across Nebraska gathered Monday to honor longtime Crete police Chief Gary Young Jr., whose sudden death last week left the community mourning the loss of a respected public servant and mentor.

Young, who served with the Crete Police Department for 41 years and became police chief four years ago, was remembered during a funeral service in Crete for his leadership, compassion and commitment to public safety.

“Gary is going to live on through the police department,” Crete police Lt. Dawn Jonas said. “He took great pride in mentoring and shaping the next generation. Because of his guidance, we will be able to move forward professionally, but we will forever struggle emotionally.”

Following the service, a large procession of first responder vehicles traveled from Crete to Lincoln Memorial Cemetery, where Young was laid to rest. The lengthy convoy reflected the broad impact he had on Nebraska’s law enforcement community.

Among those paying tribute was Lancaster County Chief Deputy Ben Houchin, who said Young’s sense of humor helped colleagues navigate the difficult realities of law enforcement.

“We see a lot of things people shouldn’t see,” Houchin said. “His humor on things and just being able to make light of some of the bad situations — it’s either you laugh or cry. And he was really good at making people laugh.”

Houchin also remembered Young’s outgoing personality, saying he “would talk your ear off” and was “just the most friendly guy.”

Jonas said the large crowd was a testament to how many lives Young changed for the better.

“A person’s legacy is defined as the impact they leave behind through their actions, values and how they treated others,” Jonas said. “Take a look around. All these people are here because they love Gary. The pain that we feel is the price that we pay for having the good fortune of knowing and loving Gary.”

Funeral presider, Pastor Laura Krueger-Davies, reflected on Young as a family man and community caretaker.

“Gary taught his children a lot like he policed every person,” Krueger-Davies said. “Every single person was to be treated respectfully.”