NICHOLAS "NICKY" RYAN YOUNG

Nicholas "Nicky" Ryan Young (age 25) of Hollister, MO, passed away July 19, 2014. Nicky was born December 24, 1988, in Overland Park, KS. He is a 2007 graduate of Ray-Pec high school in Peculiar, MO. A Celebration of His Life will be held 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 2, 2014, at Cullen Funeral Home in Raymore, MO. Memorials may be made to the Jackson County Special Population Service Special Olympics Ongie Douglas Power Bunch.

"I got this" was one of Nick's favorite sayings. Nick's family and friends believe he did "get" this. He understood life better than most. Nick was an awesome young man that loved his family, his friends, and life. When you were his friend, he had your back. He was a defender of anyone in need. Nick knew no stranger. He was a gentle soul. He loved in a loyal, faithful, and unconditional way.

Nick, thank you for teaching us about life and what was important. You demonstrated life like a champion. Will Rogers once said, "Not everyone can be a hero, someone has to stand on the curb and cheer as a hero goes by." Nick, we are cheering for you. You may not know you were a hero, but you were ... "You got this".

Nicky was preceded in death by his great grandfather, William Ayres of Phillipsburg, KS. He is survived by his mother, Tracy Young, her fiancé, Barrett DuMond, and his brother Robie Sample of Hollister, MO. His nana and papa, Marie Foster-Ayres and Robert Ayres of Branson, MO. His great grandmother, Eva Ayres of Phillipsburg, KS. His uncle and aunt, Michael and Linda Ayres, and his cousins Connor and Xander Ayres of Springfield, MO. As well as his step-uncles Jesus Trejo of Olathe, KS, and Cliff Ruffin and family of Forsyth, MO.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, MO (816)322-5278