Polk Laffoon Young III

Polk Laffoon Young III, 84, of Owensboro, Kentucky, passed to be with the Lord on September 16, 2026, after a long battle with kidney disease. He left this life peacefully in the company of his loving wife, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a family who loved him dearly.

Polk was born January 22, 1942, in Washington, D.C., to the late FBI Special Agent Polk L. Young Jr. and Jane “Snookie” Overstreet Young. He lost his father at a young age, a loss which greatly shaped the trajectory of his life.

Polk spent much of his life in Owensboro, graduating from Owensboro Senior High School in 1960. An athlete in his younger years, he enjoyed both football and golf. He was especially proud of his time on the golf team, helping lead Owensboro to back-to-back regional championships in 1957 and 1958. He later attended Vanderbilt University and the University of Louisville. He was also commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel, an honorary distinction bestowed by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Polk valued his independence and loved being his own boss. Just as much, he enjoyed meeting people and helping others. He drove a taxi for many years and remained active in his community through volunteer work. He drove for Meals on Wheels well into his 60s, combining his love of conversation with his desire to help those around him.

Curious, intelligent, and never short on opinions, Polk paid close attention to the world around him. Over the years, he wrote numerous letters to the editor regarding civic issues he cared deeply about and at one point sought the 9th Ward Alderman seat in Louisville.

Polk had a wide and eclectic range of interests. He loved art, books, and movies and had a particular appreciation for jazz. He was an avid reader and enjoyed the hunt for rare books and coins, always appreciating the history and stories behind the things he found. He loved war movies and had a special fondness for Forrest Gump. He also enjoyed watching horse racing, and in his later years, attending bingo with his wife.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved uncle, Harry Bond Young; and his half-brother, William Joseph Gibbs.

Polk is survived by his wife of more than 51 years, Norma Marie Hale Young of Owensboro; his children, Edward Grant Young (Cathi Land) of Owensboro, Adam Cobb Young of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Kerry Elizabeth Young (Jose J. Martinez Ayala) of Owensboro; his sister, Janey Young Hartz of Owensboro; nine grandchildren, Whitney N. Young, Jacob H. Young, Lilia S. Young, Haley P. Young, Xavier P. Young Ixmatlahua, Miranda R. Perdew, Karina G. Young, Ava E. Young, and Max E. Dominguez; and three great-grandchildren, Grace M. Statts, Liam M. Statts, and Stryder L. Young. He also leaves behind many extended family members and friends.

Polk will be remembered for his intelligence, determination, curiosity, quick wit, and the unique way he moved through the world-always thinking, always observing, and ready to share what was on his mind. His life was filled with interests, opinions, stories, and experiences, but above all, it was filled with the people he loved.

Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Polk’s ashes will remain with his wife, Norma, at Hillcrest Nursing Home, where family and friends are welcome to visit and pay their respects. Please share your fond memories and photos with the family at everloved.com/life-of/polk-young and also at www.glenncares.com.