The son of a mechanic/ carpenter, John was born October 15, 1944 in Dallas. He grew up to be a master builder in Plano and the surrounding areas.
His designs and visionary capabilities brought him notable prominence. He was a creative craftsman who loved working with his hands. He never considered going to work to be a job. It was what he loved and enjoyed doing. His business, John Young Custom Homes, thrived for 35 years until cancer took controlling interest.
John is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Patsy Dean Young, two daughters he genuinely cherished, Julie Young McCurry and husband Jeff of Fairview, Texas and Holly Young Sudduth of Austin Texas; his treasured grandsons Cole McCurry, Gabe Sudduth, Jace McCurry and Zach Sudduth. Also special to his heart, niece Christin Rogers McClure and nephew Tyler Rogers, their mom, Kelly Joe Rogers, and nieces Cora and Millie. Also, brothers Joe Smart and Dean Young and long time, special friend Gerald Gibson.
John was preceded in death by his son-in-law Brian Tobias Sudduth, brothers William Henry Young and Don Young. Also his parents, Henry Engleson Young and Lelya Helen Young.
Under the guidance of his earthly father, John received his heavenly Father into his life as a child. He grew up to trust fully in God’s Word. His favorite verse was Psalms 127:1 that states “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”
As a member of Plano’s Meadows Baptist Church for 45 years, John served as a deacon and in many other roles. Known by many as having a servant heart and leadership abilities, John was engaged in many strategic committees. As a major player in the relocation of the church and in the purchase of the existing church site, he worked with the architects and commercial builders to achieve the desired design. He designed and oversaw the building of four modular Sunday school buildings, designed and built the prayer garden complete with a bronze statue of Jesus kneeling in the Garden.
John used his talents wherever needed.
Even after cancer forced him into retirement, John continued doing many things. He worked with his hands building and fixing. He loved automobiles, motorcycles and anything with wheels. He even rebuilt two trucks while fighting the disease. (He was known for his red truck.)
John also loved sports, especially the Dallas Mavericks and the Dallas Cowboys. He especially got great pleasure watching and talking about the games with his four grandsons. Those fun times brought sheer joy to their Poppi!
Precious memories cherished by those who knew him:
“He was an example of generosity” … “the most kind guy I’ve ever met” … ”He was a man of God and he loved his family and friends.” … “a wonderful soul--kind, creative, humble.” … “He was a gentle man, a gentleman.” … “always concerned about others.”
Once during a remodel job, John got a call from a customer during the middle of the night--during a horrific rainstorm. The customer was concerned about their roof and was hoping John would send someone over early the next morning. Without telling the customer he was sick in bed with the flu, he got dressed, went to their home and into the attic to resolve the problem. He could have waited. He could have sent someone from his crew. Days later, the customer learned from someone else he was sick that night. She also learned from observing his interactions with his crew why they had the utmost respect for him.
“John had a calm demeanor, even if he disagreed with you.” He had strong values, one of the greatest of which was his integrity.
“He loved people, and it showed.” He called some of his favorite seniors “Sweetie.” He invited one such 102-year-old sweetie to dance at a wedding party. “From the smile on their faces, he was her Prince Charming and she was a princess.” His hand-written letters to another senior who was confined to a VA Hospital out of town, “always put a smile on his face.”
A lifelong, Collin County Texan for 72 years, John’s new life address is Heaven where he was met by the Master Builder. He died peacefully May 19 in his home, surrounded by family, with his soul mate of 53 years holding his hands. John fought the good fight. He finished the race. He kept the faith.
To God Be the Glory!
John’s Celebration of Life will be Sunday, May 28th, 3:00 p.m., at Meadows Baptist Church, 3001 Los Rios Blvd., Plano, Texas.
A reception will follow at the church immediately after the service.
There will be no pre-service visitation.
Interment will be at Ridgeview Memorial Park, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas.
If desired, memorial gifts can be made in honor / memory of John Anthony Young to Meadows Baptist Church, 3001 Los Rios Blvd., Plano, TX 75074.