Garner Young

On Sunday October 21, 2018, Jack Garner Young, 83, of Kingwood, Texas passed away in the company of his immediate family (whether through the marvels of modern technology or in their physical presence).  During that time, old stories were retold, scriptures read, hymns sung, prayers offered, and goodbyes said.

Garner was born December 5, 1934 in San Angelo, Texas, to Fred Young and Myrl Garner Young.

He is preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth; his parents, Fred and Myrl Young; his nephew, Justin Mitchell and brother-law Bob Rock.

He is survived by his sons, Jeff Young and his wife Kathy of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Stephen Young, his wife Lydia, and their sons, Trevor and Ethan of Porter, Texas; brother, Dick Young and his wife Ann of Austin. He also is survived by his wife’s family, A.L. and Carol Mitchell of Houston and their children; Marilyn Rock of Canyon Lake and her children; and Mike and Linda Mitchell and their son, Jason, and his family, of Winters, Texas.  Uncle Garner leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews on both the Young and Mitchell families. He also survived by many beloved Garner and Young cousins.  Swoops, his black Lab mix, also survives.

He attended public schools in Winters, graduating in 1953, and recently was able to attend his class’s 65th reunion, where he enjoyed seeing his classmates. After graduating, he briefly and unhappily attended a certain college on the Brazos and other institutions of higher learning before enrolling in Texas Tech, where he graduated in 1958 with a BBA in Marketing.  At Tech he was a member of the Epsilon Nu Chapter of Sigma Chi. Friendships made during those years at Tech remained life-long friends.  He had a 37-year career as a civil servant, beginning with the Department of Agriculture, before joining the Small Business Administration in that agency’s beginning.  He worked in the Lubbock, Marshall and Albuquerque offices.   He retired in 1997 as Deputy District Director after 28 years serving in Marshall and Albuquerque.

In 1998, Garner and Elizabeth moved to Coleman, Texas where they became active members of First United Methodist Church.  He served in many leadership roles at the church, and volunteered with Meals on Wheels.  He enjoyed reading, gardening, all Red Raider athletics and family gatherings.

As his son Stephen remarked this past weekend, Garner was the ultimate family man!  He reveled in the successes of Jeff and Stephen, his daughters-in-laws, his nieces and nephews, and especially his grandsons as they followed a family tradition of playing on the line.  He loved the Lord, his family, the Texas Tech Red Raiders, and any dog he ever met.

He was a man of quiet deep faith.  His smile would light up rooms as would his friendly and congenial personality and immaculate manners. A handshake from Garner was a bone crusher!

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Reunion Court of Kingwood, nurses of Brookdale Hospice and Dr. Mary Crow Memorial Herman NE for their excellent care.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel, 400 W. Pecan St., Coleman, Texas on Saturday, October 27, 2018, with a graveside service to follow at the Lakeview Cemetery in Winters, Texas. Friends are invited to a reception at the funeral home immediately after the service.

Please leave condolences and memories for the family at www.livingmemorials.com.

Memorials may be sent to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (www.nationalmssociety.org/donate).

Saturday is a Texas Tech game day, so please come wearing your red and black - official Texas Tech gear if you have it.  Neckties are forbidden.