Howard Young

Howard S. Young, Jr., was an outstanding lawyer and a leader in the legal profession since 1936. He was determined, hard working, and committed to excellence in everything he did. He had a strong, cheerful personality and people were naturally drawn to him. Most notably, he was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.

Born on February 22, 1913, Howard experienced things that most have only read about. As a young man, he fulfilled the rigorous requirements for Eagle Scout, the highest rank possible in the Boy Scouts and earned by less than five percent of all Scouts. Howard served as a naval officer in World War II, commanding a tanker. This challenging assignment stretched and enhanced Howard's natural ability to lead. In recent years he recalled for his family the battles that his ship and fleet had participated in.

Howard met Mary McNulty while she was working in a law office located one floor below the law firm he worked for. The men's room was located on Mary's floor, and soon Howard and she became acquainted. A future lawyer herself, Mary was attracted to Howard's intelligence and his good looks, and their common interests provided them with an instant bond. They were to spend the rest of their lives together, raising their nine children and sharing great delight in the growth of their grandchildren.

Howard received his undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago in 1934 and graduated from the Indiana University School of Law in 1936. He went on to serve Indiana's legal system in a variety of capacities and received numerous awards. He founded Young & Young with his father in 1954 following the senior Young's retirement from the Indiana Supreme Court. He was elected President of the Indianapolis Bar Association in 1976 and was a past President of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association. He served as a member of the Board of Governors, and Vice President of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. He was also elected a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and was a Fellow of the Indiana College of Trial Lawyers. Central Indiana Lawyers elected Howard twice to the Judicial Nominating and Qualifications Commission of the Indiana Supreme Court and the Indiana Court of Appeals.

Governor O'Bannon named Howard a Sagamore of the Wabash, an award given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state of Indiana and the highest honor the Governor of Indiana bestows. The Indianapolis and Sagamore Chapters of the Inn of Court jointly presented their inaugural professionalism award to Howard for his distinguished career, exemplifying the highest standards of advocacy, character, integrity, and civility.

Howard was a lawyer's lawyer, working with other attorneys on complicated and difficult cases for people injured through the fault of others. He handled several cases that changed and advanced Indiana law, and was an innovator in trial work with demonstrative evidence, accident reconstruction, and the role of expert witnesses. Howard served as the lead lawyer in the class action suit of victims injured or killed in the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum explosion in 1963. The accident claimed the lives of seventy-four people and injured nearly 400. Due to the efforts of Howard and those working with him, survivors and the victims' families received about $4.6 million in settlements. Howard also did much that did not receive fanfare or recognition. During his practice, he quietly handled many matters without fee, and mentored several young lawyers. His enthusiasm for the practice of law never diminished, and he always believed that the people, problems, and solutions found in the everyday practice of law were fascinating.

Howard and Mary passed on their dedication and strong work ethic to their children. All six of their sons and grandsons achieved Eagle Scout, and all became lawyers who practiced with Howard. Their three daughters currently have careers in education, banking, and real estate. Howard's wisdom and example did not go unnoticed by his grandchildren, either. One of his grandsons informed another, "You may think Grandpa is moving slow, but be patient, and watch what he says and does, and you will learn a LOT." The grandkids enjoyed helping with Howard's work in the garden and on the lawn.

Howard is sadly missed by his wife, Mary; three daughters, Elsie (Al) Cerrone, Julia (Mick) Terrell, and Mary Stewart; six sons, Thomas J. (Barbara), Drew (Peggy), Bill (Beth), Jim (Clare), John (Erin), and Joe (Caroline); and twenty-eight grandchildren.

Howard passed away on Saturday, May 15, 2004, in Indianapolis. Two sisters preceded him in death. He was ninety-one.

Friends will be received on Tuesday, May 18, from 4 - 8 PM at Leppert Mortuary, 740 E 86th, Indianapolis. A funeral mass will be held at St. Luke's Catholic Church, where Howard was a member, on Wednesday, May 19, at 11 AM. To read Howard's life story, share a memory, send flowers, or make a memorial contribution to Marian College, please visit his personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Although he will be missed, Howard's example of enthusiasm, commitment, and love leaves his family with a lasting legacy to cherish and pass on.