Dean M. Young

We gather in loving memory of Dean Young, a man whose life was a testament to the strength of faith and the warmth of family. Born on Jan. 9, 1938, in Pampa, Texas, Dean was the cherished son of John Royce Young and Cleo Frances Lucas. Having lived a full and blessed life, he was called to his heavenly home on March 18, 2024, in Paris, Texas.

Dean, a devoted husband, is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Delena Young, the keeper of his heart and the joy of his life. His legacy of love continues through his daughter, Linda Cooley of Fort Towson, Okla.; his favorite daughter-in-law, Rhonda Gilbreath of Lefors, Texas; his sister, Pat Johnson of Beaumont, Texas; his adoring grandchildren: Melinda Kerns and husband, Larry of Kansas City, Mo., Daphanie Banks and husband, Jason of Scurry, Texas, Starla Kay Hamilton and husband, Shane of Pampa, Texas, Amber Arnzen and husband, Bryan of Pampa, and Jenna Deutschendorf of Clinton, Okla., as well as 13 great-grandchildren and five precious great-great-grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable happiness. He will also be remembered by the countless other relatives and friends whose lives he uplifted.

Before his passing, Dean was preceded in death by his parents; his sons: Jim Gilbreath and Larry Gilbreath; his granddaughter, Teresa May Whitley, and great-grandson, Trevor Sluder. With an unwavering commitment to his ministry, Dean served as a pastor in several communities, including Peeltown, Texas, Shoals, Okla., Boswell, Okla., Fort Towson, Okla., and Antlers, Okla. Saved in 1971, Dean’s love for the Lord was fierce and infectious. Aside from his ministerial duties, Dean valued the simple pleasures of life: reading the Good Book, preaching the Word and when the weather was fine, embracing God’s creation through water skiing and playing golf. His passions reflected a man who lived fully, loved deeply and lifted the spirits of those around him.

A celebration of Dean Young’s triumphant return to his Creator was held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 25, 2024 at Fort Towson First Baptist Church. Pastor Bob O’Neill and Pastor Doug McClure lead in honoring a life truly lived in faith. Prater-Lampton-Mills & Coffey were entrusted with the services.

We bid farewell to Dean, our beloved shepherd, knowing he rests in glory with our Savior. Blessed be the name of the Lord for the gift of Dean’s life among us.

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