Randy Young, 64
A memorial service for Randall "Randy" Eugene Young, 64, of West Plains, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 5, at Smith Chapel in Zanoni. The family will also take time to remember his mother, Joy Kathleen Young, and his brother, Gregory Allen (Young) Wells, who died before him.
Randy died peacefully in his sleep on March 20, 2024, at his home in West Plains. He was born on Dec. 25, 1959, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Joy K. (McKenzie) Young and Dwight R. Young. As the son of an Air Force serviceman, Randy moved often throughout his childhood, living in Florida, Alaska and South Dakota. He attended many different schools, adapting with quiet strength and creativity wherever life took him.
In December 1976, Randy followed in the footsteps of his older brother Steve and joined the U.S. Navy. He served his country with honor and was discharged in 1977. In 1984, he moved from Stafford, Kansas, to Missouri, where he lived in the Dora and Brixey area for many years. In 2012, he moved to West Plains to live with his mother, Joy, and remained there until his death.
Randy was a gifted artist who found beauty in simple things. He had a deep passion for old cars and motorcycles and could often be found sketching, tinkering or talking about classic engines with a spark in his eye. His creativity and enthusiasm were infectious. He was a kind, gentle and deeply loyal man – a loving son, a devoted brother, a fun uncle, and a friend to many.
Randy’s life was one of quiet dedication, creativity and love. His artistic talent, love for classic cars and motorcycles and his warmth as a fun uncle and friend will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who were blessed to know him.
He is survived by his two brothers: Stephen R. Young of Texas and Eddie Young of West Plains; and one sister, Patricia (Young) Smith of Caulfield. Randy was a proud uncle to Gregory Osenbaugh (Serena), Amanda Garcia (Jaime), Cameron Smith (Cassidi) and Makenzie Smith (Austin Row). He also had great-nephews: Daniel and Tallon, and great-nieces: Chloe, Jayden, Claire, Emma, Rose, Kinsley and Huxley, all of whom will miss their Uncle Randy deeply. Randy is also survived by his loving aunt Susie Burd and uncle Rudy Burd, as well as uncles Harvey, Kenneth, and Harrison Young and his aunt Trudy Vandenburg. He leaves behind many cousins and extended family members who will remember him with love.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dwight Young; his mother, Joy Kathleen Young; his brother, Gregory Allen (Young) Wells; his sister, Kathleen Osenbaugh; his grandparents: Imo and Gordon Young and Georgia and Leonard McKenzie; his aunts: Imogene Dykeman and Irean Young; and cousins: Cheryl and Jeanette.