Reed F. Young

In Loving Memory of Reed Young

August 17, 1963 – December 17, 2025

Reed Young, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, military officer, and scholar, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2025, at the age of 62.

Born to Alice Ruth Jacobson Young and James Stanley Young, Reed lived a life defined by service, intellectual achievement, and unwavering dedication to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Norma Alicia Young of Silver Spring, Maryland; his son and best friend, Brian James Young; his treasured grandchildren, Fletcher James and Remington Emmanuel Young of Greenville, South Carolina; and his siblings, Steven Young and Stacey Young‑McCaughan of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Reed’s academic accomplishments reflected his discipline and brilliance. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno, and later both a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering from Duke University. His commitment to excellence began early, as he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and received an Army ROTC Scholarship in 1981.

Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army in 1986, Reed served with distinction throughout a long and accomplished military career. His assignments included roles at Fort Bliss, the Army Logistics Management College, STCEUR in Germany, Redstone Arsenal, the Program Executive Office for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and Sensors, the U.S. Army Research Office, and ultimately as Commander of the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground. His leadership, technical expertise, and dedication to advancing military capability left a lasting impact on all who served with him.

Following his military service, Reed continued his commitment to national defense as Program Manager for Robotics and Autonomy at The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland.

Above all, Reed cherished his family. He found his greatest joy in time spent traveling, sharing experiences, and creating lasting memories—especially with his grandchildren, whose presence brought him profound happiness.

Reed will be remembered for his integrity, quiet strength, keen intellect, and steadfast devotion to those he loved. His legacy of service—to his country, his profession, and his family—endures in the lives he touched and the example he set.

Interment Service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery June 4, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive approximately 45 minutes before the service. Entry will not be permitted more than one hour before the scheduled time. Additional information: https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Funerals/Funeral-Information

A Reception will be held at the Spates Conference Center, located at 214 McNair Road, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, VA 22211 from 10:30 – 12:30 a.m. Guests without a military ID are kindly asked to request base access in advance, no later than June 4, 2026, by visiting: https://pass.aie.army.mil/steps/terms_of_use (click JBMHH from the drop-down)