Jerry Wayne Young

Jerry Wayne Young went to be with the Lord on July 14, 2023 after suffering a stroke. Jerry was born August 4, 1946 in Dallas, Texas to Isaac Wilburn Young and Juanita Clair Young (McCalla). Jerry attended primary school at Desoto elementary-junior high and graduated from DeSoto High School in 1964. Jerry spent his formative years on a farm in DeSoto, Texas helping his grandfather (Daddy Roy) with gardening, mending fences, taking care of animals, and all of the necessary tasks required to keep the farm running. From an early age his love for animals was evident. He and Daddy Roy were especially proud of his grand-champion steer awarded by the DeSoto High School 4-H club. After a brief stint to pursue college coursework, Jerry returned to the farm helping out once again as times were tough for his family. During this time, he was reacquainted with and later married his first wife Cora Jane Miller and mother of his two daughters Michelle and Melanie. Dedication to work and providing for family were driving forces in his life. On October 19,1966 he started his job at LTV Corp. (later Vought Aircraft Industries and then, Northrop Gruman) where he would spend the next 47 years rising through the ranks as a devoted employee. Jerry was hand picked to work on the top-secret B-2 stealth bomber project as well as other classified projects. Jerry’s dedication and unwavering spirit garnered him many accolades and many friends. For decades, a portion of his paycheck went to charity and he was generous to those in need who approached him. When he wasn’t working long hours and odd shifts, he could be found talking about dogs or showing us the best way to train one of his numerous hunting dogs. His love of the outdoors lasted well into his retirement years. “I’m ready to build a fire and cook outdoors” were often a mantra. It was NEVER the wrong time of year to do so! He liked to fish, particularly fly fishing. Colorado was his favorite outdoor destination and he lived there for four of his ten retirement years. Through many trials, Jerry’s faith in Jesus Christ did not waver nor his absolute trust of loyal family members. If you met Jerry on the street, there are two things you would know: 1) You were now, NOT a stranger. He LOVED people and loved learning about others’ lives. 2) He was very proud of his family. His practical skills and advice will live on in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Isaac and Juanita; his grandparents, Lee Roy and Leona E. McCalla; and his cousin and best friend, Don Cheshier. Jerry is survived by his daughters, Melanie Young and Michelle Kiser and husband, Matthew; his grandchildren, Morgan and Zachary Kiser; his sister, Carol Thornton and husband, Johnny; and his nephews, Brad and wife Lisa, Greg and wife Kay. A celebration of Jerry’s life will be at 10:00am on Friday, July 28, 2023 at Byrum Funeral Home Chapel. Jerry was a past master mason of Lancaster Lodge #160. Donations may be made to Shriner Children’s Hospital. https://www.shrinerschildrens.org

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Jerry Wayne Young

August 4, 1946 - July 14, 2023