Donald Grant Young

Donald Grant Young was called home by the Lord on February 13, 2021. His 87 year journey
began on September 15, 1933 in Winnsboro, Texas when he was born to Howard and Teddie
Young.
Don’s childhood and school years were spent in Winnsboro. At the age of 19 he joined the
United States Air Force and proudly served his country as an Aircraft Mechanic for the 1st Tow
Target Squadron. He was stationed in Alaska, Japan, and Biggs Air Force Base in El Paso.
While stationed in El Paso on May 30, 1955, Don married the love of his life, Ruth Russom, with
whom he lovingly spent the next 65 years. After honorably serving four years in the Air Force,
Don and Ruth moved to Tyler and ultimately Whitehouse. They lived an idyllic life on Lake Tyler
for the last 46 years.
Don proudly attended the Green Acres Baptist Church South Campus. Don knew his place in
Heaven was secure when he had a brief glimpse of Glory after his heart stopped during a
medical procedure from which he was revived. Don’s story was a source of faith and inspiration
to his church family whom he dearly loved.
Don was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He was the last survivor of a
group of five friends who hunted together for over 30 years.
Don especially enjoyed spending time on the lake teaching kids how to ski or cruising on the
pontoon boat. But the simple pleasures of watching squirrels play and listening to the birds
sing while sipping coffee on the patio brought him great happiness. Don dearly loved and doted
on his family and usually said goodbye by saying “If you can’t be good have fun.”
An excellent gardener, friends and family of Don will miss the fresh vegetables from his garden,
especially his tomatoes, which were his specialty.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Teddie Young, brother Nickey Young,
sister Bobbie Denney, and two infant children.
He is survived by his wife Ruth, daughter Jena Fillmore and her husband Stewart Fillmore of
Tyler, grandson Austin Fillmore of Tyler, granddaughter Lauren Fillmore of Austin, sister Jill Hill
of Sulphur Springs, sister Tammy Smith and her husband Richard of Winnsboro, sister-in-law
Brenda Young of Winnsboro, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date.
If desired memorials may be made to Hospice of East Texas or the charity of your choice.